Hallux valgus is a common orthopedic pathology.Usually treated surgically.Conservative methods - Exercise Therapy, Massage, Physiotherapy, Medicines - play an important role in rehabilitation and postoperative rehabilitation of Hallux valgus.All treatment methods for hallux valgus and big toe deviation will be discussed in the article.
What is Hallux Valgus?
This is a disease in which the big toe moves to the side and bones appear in the area of the metatarsophalangeal joint.The pathology code for Hallux Valgus according to ICD 10 is M20.1.
The main reasonHallux Valgus disease is consideredHereditary weakness of the connective tissue.Factors that cause:
- wear tight shoes;
- Constant walking on heels;
- Excessive load.
Less commonly, hallux valgus deformity occurs as a result of a developmental disability, injury, or other disease.
Degrees of hallux valgus and their symptoms
There are several classifications of Hallux Valgus, which distinguish 3 or 4 degrees of pathology.The authors of the guidelines for orthopedists use the following systematization of hallux valgus stages:
| Degree | Deformation angle, in degrees | Signs of deformation |
| 1 (weak) | Less than 20 | A painless lump.Sometimes discomfort appears after walking. |
| 2 (average) | 25-35 | Severe curvature, difficulty walking in shoes with narrow heels and toes.Possible pain, corns, and inflammation of the joint. |
| 3 (heavy) | More than 35 | Severe deformities, problems with choosing shoes, difficulty standing and walking, changes in style.Pain, calluses, corns, and accompanying changes in the feet are typical. |
Treatment of Hallux Valgus Deformity in the first foot
The only way to correct severe hallux valgus is surgical correction.Conservative techniques are used mainly in the early stages of deformation.Hallux valgus is treated by orthopedists.
The main method for determining the level of pathology is X-ray, which is taken in two projections with loads.In addition, the doctor can prescribe Plantography, CT, MRI, and other studies.
Surgery to correct hallux valgus
Surgical treatment is indicated for moderate and severe hallux valgus deformity.At the patient's request, minor surgery is sometimes performed to eliminate cosmetic defects.There are many methods to remove the lump:
- resection of exostosis;
- osteotomy;
- Tendon transplantation according to McBride et al.
Interventions are performed using normal methods or through percutaneous correction (using small punctures).It is possible to remove the growth with a laser.One or more incisions are made on the side or back of the leg.This cone is cut, sometimes an artificial fracture of the main phalanx or first metatarsal bone is created, the fragments are fixed with screws.
In the early stages of Hallux ValgusThe operation lasts for 30-40 minutes, with severe deformation -Up to an hour and a half.
Recovery after Hallux Valgus removal
Recovery after the removal of the lump lasts about 2 months.The key to complete recovery is strict adherence to orthopedic recommendations.If the rehabilitation rules are neglected, complications can develop in the long-term period after surgery - hallux valgus reconstruction or restriction of movement in the joint for life.
What shoes to wear after surgery
From day two you are allowed to walk in Baruk's shoes.Before the swelling subsides, you shouldmove as often as possible, most of the time the patient lies with his legs elevated.After 2 weeks, the walking restrictions were lifted.The use of the Baruk Boot remains mandatory for 1-1.5 months after bone isolation.Then you can wear loose shoes or shoes with wide toes.
You need to take off your heels for six months.
Is it possible to have a massage after surgery?
Massage can be done after the wound has completely healed.To improve blood circulation and lymph drainage, massage the entire lower part of the body.The procedure begins with stroking.Then knead the sole and back of the foot in a circular motion.Hold the ankle joint with your hand and move towards the knee.At the final stage, the stroke is performed again.
Exercise therapy for feet with screws
Physical therapy is a mandatory part of the recovery period for hallux valgus and begins in the third week after surgery.First, the fingers are bent and extended 3 times, held in each position for 10 seconds.Exercises are repeated 3-4 times a day.All movements are performed carefully, avoiding discomfort.
From the second month after the removal of Hallux Valgus, the number of repetitions increases to 7-8, the number of approaches-to 6-8 per day.Discomfort is acceptable.Active movement is complemented by passive (using hands).After a month and a half, you need to stand on your toes 5-6 times a day, 7-8 times, and maintain this position for about 10 seconds.
It is useful for walking on inclined surfaces and climbing stairs.
Corrective bandage
Corrective correction is applied after discontinuing the use of new shoes.This product consists of two bandages that are connected by a hinge and fix the thumb in an abduction position.After 1-1.5 months, the bandage is replaced with a silicone insert.Legs should not be compressed- This interferes with blood circulation and can cause soft tissue injuries.
How to Get Rid of Hallux Valgus Without Surgery
In the advanced stage of Hallux Valgus, it is impossible to completely cure the bunion through conservative correction.All conservative methods are used only to eliminate pain, prevent complications and the development of curvature.
To ensure resultsTreatment should be started at the first signAppearance of Hallux Valgus.Special exercises, massage, physiotherapy, wearing orthopedic devices in combination with the use of folk remedies are effective.
Big foot and leg massage
This procedure is recommended to be carried out after a warm bath.
- The leg with the deformed toe is bent at the knee and placed on the thigh of the other leg, with the sole turned inward.
- The only one carved with a fist, alternately pressing in different areas of the distal part.
- Hallux valgus bumps are massaged in a circular motion, then all fingers are stretched and sculpted.
- To stimulate the outflow of blood and lymph, wrap your hands around your legs and move your palms from the feet to the knees.
Remedy for disability
To eliminate inflammation in the Hallux Valgus area, topical anti-inflammatory drugs are used.
The formation of valgus hallux is accompanied by the development of arthrosis and deterioration of local metabolic processes.Therefore, to increase blood flow and stimulate tissue repair, drugs with a chondroprotective effect are used.
There is a special complex ointment against Hallux Valgus.For example, special creams contain shark oil, natural oils and extracts that have anti-inflammatory effects, relieve pain, and stimulate tissue regeneration.
To reduce pain and inflammation, you can use patches, compresses with propolis, burdock and turpentine, red clay and sea salt.All compositions are applied to protruding bones, covered with a bandage, left for 1-2 hours, then washed.
Can Hallux Valgus be corrected with exercise?
Exercises for hallux valgus can strengthen ligaments and muscles and have a positive effect on small bones.Therapeutic gymnastics is carried out after warming up the Hallux Valgus deformity using massage.Do the following exercises:
- Always walk on your heels with support on the outer and inner edges of the foot.
- Walk on suspended mats.
- Launch the elastic ball.
- Extension and compression of the toes in the sitting position.
- Gets objects (pencils, towels, small toys).
- Draw various shapes in the air.
- Stretch the elastic band placed over the big toe by spreading the foot.
- Passive flexion and extension of diseased joints using the hands.
Exercises are performed daily, completed with free stretching and stroking to relieve tension in the muscles.Only constant load can affect the course of this disease.
Orthopedic device
Taking into account the material, all devices for hallux valgus are divided into three groups: soft, semi-rigid, hard.Soft is used during the day, semi-hard - up to several hours.The rigid ones are designed to secure the feet at night.
Depending on the type of construction, there are:
- Insertion between fingers- Correct the position of the first finger at the initial stage of the deformity or in the postoperative period.Made of soft silicone.
- Single pad- Soft products used to increase shock absorption.Sometimes they can be found with a septum that eliminates Hallux Valgus.
- Fixes and bandages- Recommended for moderate and severe levels.They can be soft or semi-rigid and hold most of the foot.They are also used for Valgus feet.
- Orthopedic splints- Adjust the valgus hallux angle.Used at a later stage and only at night, because they are not compatible with shoes.
Physiotherapy for Hallux Valgus
Physiotherapy procedures are considered part of comprehensive treatment and go hand in hand with massage and exercise therapy.The following methods are used:
- Paraffin therapy- Provides deep muscle and ligament warming, improves blood circulation, activates local metabolism.
- Therapeutic mud- has the same effect as paraffin.Relieves muscle tension.
- Laser therapy- Helps expand capillaries, reduce swelling and increase protein absorption by cells.
- Ultrasound therapy- Activates metabolism and microcirculation in tissues.Stimulates collagen production.Reduces pain and swelling in the hallux valgus area.
- Shock Wave Therapy- Eliminates stagnant processes, stimulates blood flow, improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, and activates regeneration.Effectively affects not only ligaments and muscles, but also osteochondral tissue.
Prevention of Hallux Valgus
Prevention of Hallux Valgus should start early.Special attention should be paid to the health of children's feet, whose family has relatives who suffer from hallux valgus with a bump on the big toe.Bunions are formed when there is a transverse flatfoot, so children and adults with this pathology should regularly do exercises to strengthen the ligamentum-otculus apparatus.
It is important to choose the right shoes - loose, with a stable sole, made of natural materials.You should release the heel.It is useful to wear arch supports.If indicated, it is recommended to use orthopedic insoles.Regular, but not excessive, physical activity is beneficial.
You should get rid of excess body weight to reduce static load.