The treatment of a hallux valgus can be done in different ways. While surgery is only necessary in severe cases, mild cases of bunions are usually treated with a splint and toe gymnastics to correct the deformity or prevent progression. What exactly does this therapy look like and how long does the healing take? Find out here.
What can you do about hallux valgus?
Basically, there are conservative or surgical treatment options for hallux valgus:
- Conservative treatment is indicated for a mild hallux valgus that is only cosmetically disturbing or causes little pain.
- Surgery is considered for more severe deformity, recurrent bursitis or persistent pain.
Toe exercises, splint and insoles.
Conservative options include:
- Avoiding inappropriate footwear and wearing flat shoes with enough room for the toes to move.
- Foot and toe gymnastics with abduction exercises.
- Wearing insoles that support the forefoot and mitigate the splay foot position.
- The application of a special splint for the night, which pushes the big toe into its anatomically correct position
- The taping with kinesiology tapes, which, however, can only show an effect in the early stages
With these measures, a progression of the malposition can be stopped, but a cure is not possible.
Surgical methods for hallux valgus
Hallux valgus surgery attempts to restore the anatomically correct position of the big toe. There are approximately 150 different surgical methods, many of which have very similar success rates. Basically, the malposition of the big toe is always corrected. In many methods, a piece of the metatarsal bone is removed and the inflamed joint with its bulging joint capsule and bursa is tightened. The misshapen bunion is thus reduced in size – sometimes bone material is also removed from the inside of the foot for this purpose. If the cartilaginous joint surfaces of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe have not yet been too badly affected by the incorrect loading, improved, pain-free mobility can be expected after the operation. The muscle tendons are also fixed again in their anatomically correct position so that they can once again perform their proper function. In addition, there is the possibility of joint fusion. This method is more commonly used in older patients. A joint prosthesis can also be used – however, there is still a lack of empirical values in the long-term effectiveness of this.
Healing process takes weeks
With all surgical methods, you must remember that immobilization and the process of healing can take several weeks, during which time you may be unable to work. Many patients are permanently pain-free after hallux valgus surgery – but patients with congenital connective tissue weakness in particular may develop hallux valgus again in the long term, even if all preventive measures have been taken. Inflammation of the bursa over the joint can be treated in the short term with anti-inflammatory, analgesic medications or cooling compresses – in the case of recurring inflammation, you should discuss with your doctor the extent to which surgery can provide long-term relief.
How can you prevent hallux valgus?
When critically examining the position of the foot and toes, many people in Germany will notice an incipient turning of the big toe towards the other toes. At this point, at the latest, you should react:
- Avoid wearing pointed shoes, shoes with higher heels and wearing tight stockings (even at night).
- In your next shoe purchase, place special emphasis on shoes with soft uppers that can give over the ball of the foot – you can avoid bursitis.
- Run barefoot as often as possible to support the natural foot position.
- Have a trusted physiotherapist or doctor show you simple toe-spreading exercises that they do regularly.
- Discuss with your doctor whether he can recommend shoe inserts that relieve pressure on the forefoot, or a hallux valgus night splint that fixes the big toe in its original position.
- Explain to your children – possibly based on your own changed foot position – which fashionable shoes meet the criteria of well-fitting footwear.
