Hallux valgus – what is it exactly?
A hallux valgus is a malpositioning of the big toe when it has a significant bend to the side at the base joint. As a result, the big toe and the second toe touch each other more and more and a deviation of the longitudinal axis of the foot occurs. This malpositioning remains permanent and often causes pain. However, how much pain the patient suffers does not depend on the extent of the hallux valgus, since even a less pronounced hallux valgus can cause extreme pain. The altered longitudinal axis of the foot leads to a changed gait pattern and wear and tear of the toes, which sooner or later causes either pain in the affected area or even discomfort throughout the body, since a changed gait pattern also affects the ascending chain.
Cause
In most cases, the hallux valgus eventually develops into the hallux rigidus (arthrosis in the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe). The hallux valgus is one of the most common foot diseases and can be treated either conservatively or surgically. The cause of a hallux valgus can be different.
Often, one notices a familial strain, i.e. generations before one had problems with the big toe. Unfortunately, nothing can be done against this familial burden, because the change lies in the genetic material. However, something can be done against another cause, the wearing of bad shoes.
Especially the wearing of high, pointed shoes by women can cause hallux valgus in the long run. As the forefoot is squeezed into the shoe, the midfoot area is compressed and the forefoot shifts as a result, which shows the typical change. This is also the reason why more women than men have problems with hallux valgus. Another foot malposition can also be the cause of a hallux valgus.A flattening of the transverse arch in a splayfoot ensures that there is increased stress on the forefoot, which can lead to a hallux valgus.
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