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Effective methods of treating hallux valgus in adults

Curvature of the feet in adulthood is not uncommon.The disease manifests itself in childhood and due to various circumstances, few people treat it until the end.Let's look at how to fix the situation below.

Causes and risk groups

Externally, hallux valgus in adults looks as if a person falls inward when walking.As a result, the disease causes discomfort when moving or static pressure on the feet.

The main phenomena that lead to curvature:

  • problems associated with inadequate development and formation of the lower extremities in the prenatal period;
  • wearing shoes that don't fit as your foot grows;
  • dysplasia;
  • hormonal changes in the body with metabolic disorders;
  • previous illnesses (paralysis, osteoporosis);
  • obesity or sudden weight gain due to pregnancy and pre-eclampsia;
  • injury to the bones of the foot and ankle.

Foot curvature can occur in anyone, but most often it is women under 35 who spend a lot of time standing (teachers, models, salespeople, healthcare professionals) or people involved in athletics.

hallux valgus

Types and grades

There are several types of foot deformities:

  1. Static – expressed by spinal problems.
  2. Structural - due to the peculiarities of the position of the talus.
  3. Compensatory – shortened Achilles tendon with partial transfer of functions to the ankle.
  4. Paralytic – after previous illnesses.
  5. Spasmodic.
  6. Hypercorrectional – due to inadequate treatment of previously identified pathology.
  7. Rickety.
  8. After trauma and rupture of the ligamentous apparatus.

Hallux valgus in adults has varying degrees of severity:

  • the first is deformation of the joint with subluxation of the foot;
  • the second is the displacement of the tendon and the curvature of the thumb;
  • the third is a pathological process of bone tissue, in which the fingers deviate by 20 degrees;
  • the fourth degree is the peak of changes with the extinction of the functions of the foot and the spread of the disease to the ankle joint and above.The disease brings constant discomfort, which cannot be corrected conservatively.

Symptoms

In adults, the manifestations of pes planovalgus are as follows:

  1. swelling of the lower extremities;
  2. severe pain (the foot hurts in the region of the metatarsal bone);
  3. constant corns, calluses;
  4. back pain, posture problems;
  5. tiredness and discomfort in the legs that do not disappear with rest;
  6. cramps, spasms;
  7. change shoe size;
  8. external deformation;
  9. gait deterioration (sagging);
  10. concomitant joint diseases, myositis.
Valgus foot manifestations in adults

How dangerous is the pathology?

Adults who suffer from hallux valgus are at high risk of developing diseases that lead to disability, as the deformed foot can lose its function.

Not only does the function of walking upright suffer from the problem: the pathology leads to varicose veins, joint problems, curvature of the spine, migraines, development of diabetic foot, transverse flat foot and the appearance of heel spurs.

Diagnosis

Before making the diagnosis, the doctor must determine the degree and type of the pathology through tests:

  • Anamnesis and external examination.
  • Palpation of the area of deformity.
  • X-ray in three projections.
  • If necessary, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging.
  • Consultation with specialists in identifying concomitant diseases.

Features of the treatment of hallux valgus in adults

Disease therapy should be comprehensive and include several methods.The recovery process is long and requires strict adherence to all medical instructions.

Medications (systemic and local)

Drug treatment aims to relieve foot pain and reduce inflammation.To do this, NSAIDs are prescribed in a dosage selected taking into account additional diseases, since the drugs affect the functioning of the stomach.Medications can be used topically in the form of creams and ointments, or in the form of tablets or injections.

If the patient is bothered by severe swelling, diuretics are prescribed for a short period (no more than three days).

Throughout treatment, it is important to take vitamins and minerals to strengthen bone tissue and ligaments.

Legs with hallux valgus

Orthopedic devices

This group of products is used to correct and maintain the foot in the correct position.It is recommended to use them regularly not only for therapeutic purposes, but also as a preventive measure.

  1. Insoles help the foot distribute the load when walking and are necessary to combat flat feet and deformities.
  2. Orthopedic shoes are made to order, taking into account the degree of the pathology.It protects the leg well, preventing the disease from getting worse.
  3. Valgus braces are designed for bunions when correction of this area is necessary.

All orthopedic appliances are selected individually after consultation with the orthopedist.

Massage

Massage sessions can be carried out several times a year, 10 procedures per course.This manipulation restores blood circulation in the affected area, strengthens muscles and ligaments.

Before the massage, it is advisable to take a hot foot bath with anti-inflammatory herbs.The movements must be circular, friction or heating, without additional trauma to the deformed area.

At home, it is recommended to perform self-massage daily after a tiring day.

Exercise therapy

Training to strengthen the foot should begin after signs of inflammation subside.Before starting physical exercise, you need to warm up your muscles and massage your feet.

Main complex:

  • Circular ankle movements, pulling your feet toward and away from you.
  • Lying on your back - imitation of riding a bicycle.
  • Movements of each finger separately.
  • Rolling from toe to heel.
  • Pick up small objects from the floor with your foot.
  • Draw with a marker stuck to your toes on a sheet of paper.
  • Rolling a bottle or rolling pin while sitting.
  • Walking on the toes, heels and sides of the feet.
  • Tension and relaxation of leg muscles.The exercise must be performed sitting on the floor with the lower limbs stretched.

Movements should not bring discomfort or unpleasant sensations.The number of approaches and repetitions should be added gradually.

Walking on toes to strengthen feet with hallux valgus

Physiotherapy

A regular course of procedures can relieve pain, muscle spasms and restore microcirculation in tissues, as well as strengthen the ligamentous apparatus of the planovalgus foot, stopping the deformation process.

Basic techniques:

  1. ultrasound - acceleration of metabolism and removal of salts from the problem area;
  2. laser – reduction of inflammation and swelling;
  3. UVT – normalization of blood circulation;
  4. magnet - heating spasmodic tissues;
  5. mud applications, ozokerite.

You cannot independently add or cancel a prescribed course of physiotherapy without consulting a doctor, as this may worsen the problem.

Folk remedies

It is not practical to treat hallux valgus at home, but alternative medicine can alleviate the patient's condition before consulting a doctor.

Popular recipes:

  • Pour madder with warm water and boil in a water bath, then cool the composition and take half a glass before meals 3 times a day.
  • Dry the dandelion flowers, grind them into powder, add iodine and apply to the area where the growth forms.
  • Mix mustard and bodyaga in equal proportions, add turpentine, oil and lubricate your feet before bed.
  • Mash the propolis, warm it a little in your hands and apply it to the deformation area.Leave overnight, securing with a bandage.

Surgical intervention

In the absence of effect from conservative methods, as well as in the case of hallux valgus deformity of 3 to 4 degrees, surgical treatment is recommended.

Surgical procedures have two directions - traditional and laser.

The first type of operation is performed under general anesthesia with a plaster splint applied for several weeks and requires a recovery period.

Laser treatment comes in several forms:

  1. exostectomy – removal of bone growths with correction of the external shape of the foot;
  2. excision of the phalanx of the big toe and fixation in the correct position;
  3. arthroplasty – incision of the deformity and, if necessary, joint replacement, tendon transplant.

Prevention

Following simple measures will help prevent the development of the disease:

  1. Following the principles of proper nutrition.
  2. Elimination of bad habits.
  3. Weight control.
  4. Moderate physical activity.
  5. Organization of adequate daily rest.
  6. Foot self-massage and exercise therapy.
  7. In summer - walk barefoot on sand, pebbles and dirt.
  8. Use of insoles and orthopedic devices.
  9. Comfortable shoes without high heels.
  10. Compliance with safety precautions at home and on the street.
  11. Regular medical checkups.

If you notice the first signs of deformation, you shouldn't delay in solving the problem.If you start treatment in the early stages, the disease will disappear forever and the person will return to the usual painless rhythm of life.