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Effective methods of treating hallux valgus in adults

Crooked feet in adulthood is not unusual.The disease appears in childhood and due to various circumstances, not many people treat it to the end.Let's see how to fix the situation below.

Causes and risk groups

From the outside, hallux valgus in adults looks like a person falls inward when walking.As a result, the disease brings discomfort during movement or static pressure in the legs.

The main phenomena that lead to curvature:

  • problems related to the development and improper formation of the lower extremities in the prenatal period;
  • wearing shoes that do not 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;
  • leg and ankle bone injury.

Bending of the foot can happen to anyone, but most often these are women under 35 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 – is 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. Hypercorrective - 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 joint deformity with foot subluxation;
  • the second is displacement of the tendon and flexion of the thumb;
  • the third is a pathological process of the 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 leg and the spread of the disease in the upper ankle joint.The disease brings constant discomfort, which cannot be corrected conservatively.

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 corn, callus;
  4. back pain, posture problems;
  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 walking (sit);
  10. accompanying 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 diseases that lead to disability, as the deformed foot can lose its function.

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

Diagnosing

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

  • History taking and external examination.
  • Palpation of the deformation area.
  • X-rays in three projections.
  • If necessary, CT, MRI.
  • Consultation with specialists during the identification of concomitant diseases.

Features of the treatment of hallux valgus in adults

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

Medicines (systemic and local)

Medication treatment is designed to relieve leg pain and reduce inflammation.For these purposes, NSAIDs are prescribed with a dose 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).

During the entire course of treatment, it is important to take vitamins and minerals to strengthen bone tissue and ligaments.

Feet with hallux valgus

Orthopedic equipment

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

  1. Splints help the foot distribute the load while 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 strongly protects the foot, preventing the aggravation of the disease.
  3. Valgus braces are intended for the ring when correction of this area is necessary.

All orthopedic devices are selected individually after visiting an orthopedist.

Massage

Massage sessions can be performed 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 heating, without additional trauma to the deformed area.

At home, it is recommended to do self-massage every day after a hard day.

Exercise therapy

Exercise to strengthen the leg should begin after signs of inflammation have subsided.Before starting physical exercises, you should warm up your muscles and massage your legs.

The main complex:

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

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

Toe walking to strengthen 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, 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 of spasmodic tissues;
  5. mud applications, ozokerite.

You cannot independently add or cancel a course of prescribed physiotherapy without consulting a doctor, as this can lead to an aggravation 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 visiting a doctor.

Popular recipe:

  • 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 dandelion flowers, grind them into powder, add iodine and apply to the area where the growth is formed.
  • Mix mustard and bodyaga in equal proportions, add turpentine, oil and paint your feet before going to bed.
  • Boil the propolis, warm it a little in your hands and apply it to the deformation area.Leave it overnight, securing it with a bandage.

Surgical intervention

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

Surgical procedures have two directions - traditional and laser.

The first type of surgery 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 outer shape of the leg;
  2. removing the phalanx of the thumb and fixing it in the right position;
  3. arthroplasty – excision of the deformity and, if necessary, joint replacement, tendon transplantation.

Preventing

The 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. Arranging proper daily rest.
  6. Self-massage of the feet and exercise therapy.
  7. In 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 road.
  11. Regular medical check-ups.

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