How to prevent hallux valgus
There are various measures that can be used to prevent hallux valgus relatively successfully. In the end, these are purely logical if you remember what the main causes of a hallux valgus are. In the variant of hallux valgus alone, which is caused by a genetic predisposition, means of prevention often do not help, although even here they can ensure that the malposition does not develop until later or is not so badly developed.
The be-all and end-all in the prevention of hallux valgus is the right footwear. In this case, you should pay particular attention to the following points:
- The shoes should be as flat as possible. Heels increase the pressure on the front foot.
This presses the toes into the toe of the shoe and also favors the splayfoot position (a widening of the ball of the foot), which is often associated with hallux valgus. Here the simple rule applies: the higher the heel, the worse for the foot.
- The length of the shoes is of course also of crucial importance in hallux valgus prevention. If the shoes are too short, the toes are pressed into a wrong position.
- Especially the end part of the shoe plays an important role.
If this is too narrow or pointed, the feet adapt to this shape, which leads to a malposition that is reversible at the beginning, but later remains permanent. Here, one should not only make sure that the shoes are wide enough, but also that they are high enough. Ideally, the upper material of the shoe should also be soft so that it can adapt to the foot if necessary.
Especially with children it is important to check a correct fit, because their feet grow fast and can form the basis for a hallux valgus at a young age.
In addition to the correct shoes, it is also important to avoid wearing shoes all the time, and to walk barefoot regularly. This helps to maintain and strengthen the natural position of the foot. Even stockings contribute to a small degree to the toes being pressed together and thus brought into a wrong position.
It is also recommended to do foot gymnastics. Exercises in which the big toe is spread apart from the remaining toes are particularly effective. Foot baths or foot massages can also be performed to support these exercises.
If you already have hallux valgus, you can prevent the symptoms from worsening by wearing insoles in your shoes or even a hallux valgus splint. For such cases, there are also special foot gymnastics exercises that the affected person can have their doctor or physiotherapist show them.
