Effective treatment for hallux valgus in adults

Curvature of the foot in adulthood is not uncommon.The disease manifests itself from childhood and due to many different circumstances, not many people treat it until the end.Let's see how to fix the situation below.

Causes and risk groups

Visually, hallux valgus in adults looks as if a person has fallen in while 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 improper development and formation of the lower limbs in the prenatal period;
• wearing shoes that do not fit your feet as your feet grow;
• dysplasia;
• Hormonal changes in the body with metabolic disorders;
• previous illness (paralysis, osteoporosis);
• obesity or sudden weight gain due to pregnancy and maternity;
• foot and ankle injuries.

Bowed feet can occur in anyone, but are most common in women under 35 years old who spend a lot of time on their feet (teachers, models, salespeople, medical staff) or those who participate in sports.

Types and levels

There are several types of foot deformities:

1. Static – manifested by spinal problems.
2. Structure - due to the peculiarities of the location of the talisman.
3. Compensation – shortening of the Achilles tendon with partial transfer of function to the ankle.
4. Paralysis - after previous illnesses.
5. Spasm.
6. Super correction – due to improper treatment of previously identified pathology.
7. Rachit.
8. After injury and ligament rupture.

Hallux valgus in adults has many levels of severity:

• The first is joint deformity with dislocation of the foot;
• the second is the 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 deterioration of the functions of the foot and the spread of the disease to the ankle joint and beyond.This disease brings a constant feeling of discomfort, which cannot be overcome with caution.

Symptom

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

1. lower extremity swelling;
2. severe pain (leg pain in the metatarsal area);
3. constant corns, calluses;
4. back pain, posture problems;
5. fatigue and leg discomfort that does not go away with rest;
6. cramps, spasms;
7. change shoe size;
8. external deformation;
9. worsened gait (sagging);
10. Concomitant joint disease, myositis.

How dangerous is the disease?

Adults with hallux valgus are at high risk for diseases that lead to disability because the deformed feet may lose function.

The problem affects not only the function of walking upright: the pathology leads to varicose veins, joint problems, curvature of the spine, migraines, development of diabetic foot, horizontal flat feet and the appearance of heel spurs.

Diagnose

Before making a diagnosis, the doctor must determine the extent and type of pathology through examination:

• Ask for medical history and external examination.
• Palpate the deformed area.
• X-ray in three views.
• If necessary, CT, MRI.
• Consult with experts when identifying comorbidities.

Features of the treatment of hallux valgus in adults

Treatment of the disease must be comprehensive and include several methods.The recovery process is lengthy and requires strict adherence to all medical instructions.

Drugs (systemic and topical)

Medical treatment is aimed at relieving leg pain and reducing inflammation.For these purposes, NSAIDs are prescribed in doses selected taking into account additional diseases, since the drug affects the functioning of the stomach.The medicine can be used topically as creams and ointments, or in tablet or injection form.

If the patient has severe swelling, diuretics are prescribed for a short period of time (no more than three days).

Throughout treatment, it is important to take vitamin and mineral supplements to strengthen bone tissue and ligaments.

Orthopedic equipment

This group of products is used to correct and maintain the foot in the correct position.They should be worn regularly not only for medicinal purposes but also as a preventive measure.

1. Insoles help the foot distribute the load when walking and are essential 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 legs tightly, preventing the disease from getting worse.
3. Valgus braces are designed for bunions when correction of this area is needed.

All orthotic devices are selected individually after a visit to the orthopedist.

Massage

Massage sessions can be performed multiple times a year, 10 treatments each.This operation restores blood circulation in the affected area, strengthens muscles and ligaments.

Before massage, you should soak your feet in warm water with anti-inflammatory herbs.Movements should be circular, rubbing or warming without causing additional trauma to the deformed area.

At home, you should massage yourself every day after a hard day.

Exercise therapy

Exercise to strengthen the feet should begin after signs of inflammation have subsided.Before starting to exercise, you need to warm up your muscles and massage your feet.

Main complex:

• Circular motion of the ankle, pulling the foot forward and away from you.
• Lie on your back - imitating cycling.
• Movement of each finger separately.
• Roll from toes to heels.
• Grab small objects on the floor with your feet.
• Draw with a marker held at the toe on a piece of paper.
• Roll the bottle or pin while sitting.
• Walk on your toes, heels, and sides of your feet.
• Tense and relax the leg muscles.The exercise must be performed in a sitting position on the floor with the lower limbs extended.

Movement should not bring discomfort or discomfort.The number of reaches and repetitions should be added gradually.

Physical therapy

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

Basic techniques:

1. ultrasound - accelerates metabolism and removes salts from problem areas;
2. laser – reduces inflammation and swelling;
3. UVT – normalizes blood circulation;
4. magnet - warms constricted tissues;
5. mud application, ozokerite.

You cannot add or cancel a prescribed course of physical therapy without consulting your doctor, as this could make the problem worse.

Folk remedies

Treating hallux valgus at home is impractical, but alternative medicine may alleviate the patient's condition before seeing a doctor.

Popular recipes:

• Pour crazy medicine with warm water and boil in a water bath, then cool the composition and drink half a glass before meals 3 times a day.
• Dry dandelion flowers, grind them into powder, add iodine and apply to the growth area.
• Mix mustard and bodyaga in equal proportions, add turpentine, oil and lubricate your feet before going to bed.
• Knead propolis, warm it a little in your hands and apply to the deformed area.Leave overnight, secure with bandage.

Surgical intervention

In cases where conservative methods are ineffective, as well as in cases of hallux valgus deformity of 3-4 degrees, surgical treatment is recommended.

Surgical procedures come in two directions - traditional and laser.

The first type of surgery is performed under general anesthesia using a plaster cast for several weeks and requires recovery time.

Laser treatment comes in many forms:

1. Lateral excision – removal of bone growth along with correction of the external shape of the foot;
2. remove the big toe phalanx and fix it in the correct position;
3. Joint surgery – incision of the deformity and, if necessary, joint replacement and tendon grafting.

prevent

The following simple measures will help prevent the development of the disease:

1. Follow the principles of proper nutrition.
2. Eliminate bad habits.
3. Weight control.
4. Moderate physical activity.
5. Organize reasonable breaks every day.
6. Self-massage your feet and do therapeutic exercise.
7. In summer - walk barefoot on sand, small pebbles and dirt.
8. Use orthotics and braces.
9. Comfortable shoes without high heels.
10. Observe safety precautions at home and on the street.
11. Periodic medical examination.

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 patient will return to his daily life without pain.