Preventive measures | Is a hallux valgus caused by wrong shoes?

Preventive measures

It has already been medically proven that the disease hallux valgus is not caused by genetic inheritance or increases the risk of the disease, but that the wearing of the wrong shoes for years is the only reason for this malposition. Especially heels and too tight, pointed and narrow shoes can cause the disease. In addition, the shoe fashion of the modern age also leads to pathological changes in the foot skeleton or Achilles tendon shortening.

As a preventative measure, everyone should generally get into the habit of walking barefoot frequently and get used to this as a routine at home, for example. This way the toes are not compressed and can regain their natural spread. Socks and stockings also exert a slight compression on the toes, so wearing toe socks is beneficial for maintaining the mobility of each individual toe.

The next step would then be to wear barefoot shoes or even toe socks, which promote flexible movement of each toe and relieve pressure on the forefoot. These shoes are especially helpful for feet that tend to splayfoot. Toe shoes are now available for adults and children as well as for sports or leisure activities.

In summer, patients with a tendency to hallux valgus are also recommended to wear flip flops. These shoes have only a small bridge between the big toe and the second toe and are otherwise very open, so that a flexible movement of each toe is possible. Another possibility to prevent foot malpositions is the muscle training of the leg and foot muscles through specific patient training and physiotherapy.

Foot and toe gymnastics strengthens the muscles, tightens the connective tissue and thus helps to prevent foot malpositions. The patient can learn the techniques of spiral dynamics. This is a special movement and strengthening program that actively brings the toes into the correct position.