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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 to the end.Let's see how to resolve the situation below.

Causes and risk groups

Outwardly, hallux valgus in adults gives the impression that a person is falling inward while walking.As a result, the disease causes discomfort during movement or static pressure on the feet.

The main phenomena leading to curvature:

  • problems associated with inappropriate development and formation of the lower limbs during the prenatal period;
  • wearing shoes that do not adapt to the growth of the foot;
  • dysplasia;
  • hormonal changes in the body with metabolic disorders;
  • previous illnesses (paralysis, osteoporosis);
  • obesity or sudden weight gain due to pregnancy and gestosis;
  • injury to the bones of the foot and ankle.

Curvature of the foot can occur in anyone, but most often it affects women under 35 who stand for a long time (teachers, models, salespeople, health workers) or people who play sports.

Hallux valgus

Types and degrees

There are several types of foot deformities:

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

Hallux valgus in adults presents several degrees of severity:

  • the first is a 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 causes constant discomfort, which cannot be corrected conservatively.

Symptoms

In adults, the manifestations of plano-valgus foot are as follows:

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

How dangerous is pathology?

Adults with hallux valgus are at high risk of developing diseases that cause disability because the deformed foot can lose function.

It is not only the function of standing walking that suffers from the problem: the pathology leads to varicose veins, joint problems, curvature of the spine, migraines, the development of diabetic foot, transverse flat foot and the appearance of heel spurs.

Diagnosis

Before making a diagnosis, the doctor must determine the degree and type of pathology by examinations:

  • History and external examination.
  • Palpation of the deformation zone.
  • X-ray in three projections.
  • If necessary, CT scan, MRI.
  • Consultation with specialists when identifying concomitant diseases.

Features of hallux valgus treatment in adults

Treatment of the disease should be comprehensive and include several methods.The healing process is long and requires strict compliance with all medical instructions.

Medications (systemic and local)

Drug treatment aims to relieve foot pain and reduce inflammation.For these purposes, 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 either topically in the form of creams and ointments, or in the form of tablets or injections.

If the patient is bothered by significant 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 wear them regularly not only for therapeutic purposes, but also for preventive purposes.

  1. Insoles help the foot distribute the load when walking and are necessary in the fight against flat feet and deformities.
  2. Orthopedic shoes are made to order, taking into account the degree of pathology.It holds the leg firmly, preventing the disease from getting worse.
  3. Valgus devices are intended for the bunion when correction of this area is necessary.

All orthopedic devices are selected individually after visiting an orthopedist.

Massage

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

Before the massage, it is advisable to take a warm foot bath with anti-inflammatory herbs.The movements should be circular, rubbing or warming, without additional trauma to the deformed area.

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

Exercise therapy

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

Main complex:

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

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

Walking on your toes to strengthen your feet with hallux valgus

Physiotherapy

A regular course of procedures can relieve pain, muscle spasms and restore microcirculation in the tissues, as well as strengthen the ligamentous apparatus of the planovalgus foot, thereby 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 - warms spasmodic tissues;
  5. applications of mud, ozokerite.

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

Folk remedies

It is not practical to treat hallux valgus at home, but alternative medicines 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 is forming.
  • Mix mustard and bodyaga in equal proportions, add turpentine, oil and lubricate your feet before bed.
  • Knead the propolis, warm it a little in your hands and apply it to the deformation area.Leave overnight, securing with a bandage.

Surgery

In the absence of the effect of conservative methods, as well as in cases of hallux valgus deformation of 3-4 degrees, surgical treatment is recommended.

Surgical procedures have two directions: traditional and laser.

The first type of operation is carried out under general anesthesia with the application of a cast splint for several weeks and requires a recovery period.

Laser treatment comes in several forms:

  1. exostectomy – removal of bony 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 transplantation.

Prevention

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

  1. Follow the principles of good 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, small stones and earth.
  8. Use of orthopedic 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 should not delay in solving the problem.If you start treatment at an early stage, the disease will disappear forever and the person will return to their usual rhythm of life without pain.