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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, not many people treat it to 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 brings discomfort when moving or static pressure on the feet.

The main phenomena that lead to curvature:

  • problems associated with improper development and formation of the lower extremities in the prenatal period;
  • wearing shoes that don't fit as the foot grows;
  • dysplasia;
  • hormonal changes in the body with metabolic disorders;
  • previous diseases (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 any person, but more often these are women under 35 years of age who spend a long time on their feet (teachers, models, salespeople, health workers), or people involved in athletics.

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 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 improper treatment of previously identified pathology.
  7. Rachitic.
  8. After trauma and rupture of the ligamentous apparatus.

Hallux valgus in adults has several degrees of severity:

  • the first is deformation of the joint with subluxation of the foot;
  • the second is tendon displacement and 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 in a conservative way.

Symptoms

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

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

How dangerous is the pathology?

Adults who suffer from hallux valgus have a high risk of developing ailments that lead to disability, as the deformed foot may lose its function.

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

Diagnostics

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

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

Features of the treatment of hallux valgus in adults

Therapy for the disease must be comprehensive and include several methods.The recovery process is long and requires strict adherence to all medical instructions.

Medicines (systemic and local)

Treatment with medications is designed to relieve foot pain and reduce inflammation.For these purposes, NSAIDs are prescribed with a dosage that is selected taking into account additional diseases, since the drugs affect the functioning of the stomach.Medicines 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 severe swelling, diuretics are prescribed for a short course (no more than three days).

Throughout the course of 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 as a preventive measure.

  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 secures the leg tightly, preventing the disease from getting worse.
  3. Valgus braces 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 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 warm foot bath with anti-inflammatory herbs.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 signs of inflammation have subsided.Before starting physical exercise, you need to warm up your muscles and massage your feet.

Main complex:

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

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 process of deformation.

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 - warming up spasmodic tissues;
  5. mud applications, ozokerite.

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

Folk remedies

It is not practical to treat hallux valgus at home, but alternative medicine can alleviate the patient’s condition before seeing 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 going to bed.
  • Knead the propolis, warm it a little in your hands and apply it to the deformation zone.Leave overnight, securing with a bandage.

Surgical intervention

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

Surgical procedures have two directions - traditional and laser.

The first type of operation is performed under general anesthesia with the application of a plaster splint 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 fixing it in the correct position;
  3. arthroplasty – incision of the deformity and, if necessary, replacement of the joint, tendon transplantation.

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 proper daily rest.
  6. Self-massage of feet and exercise therapy.
  7. In the summer - walking barefoot on sand, small pebbles, and earth.
  8. Use of orthopedic insoles and braces.
  9. Comfortable shoes without high heels.
  10. Compliance with safety precautions at home and on the street.
  11. Regular medical examinations.

If you notice the first signs of deformation, you should not delay solving the problem.If you start treatment in the early stages, the disease will disappear forever, and the person will return to the usual rhythm of life without pain.