Effective methods for 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 cure it to the end.Let's look at how to fix the situation below.

Causes and groups at risk

Externally, hallux valgus in adults looks like a person falls inward while 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 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 pregnancies;
• injuries 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 who spend a lot of time on their feet (teachers, models, sellers, healthcare workers) or people involved in athletics.

Types and grades

There are several types of foot deformities:

1. Static – expressed by spinal problems.
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. Overcorrective – due to improper treatment of the previously identified pathology.
7. Rickety.
8. After trauma and rupture of the ligament system.

Hallux valgus in adults has different degrees of severity:

• the first is the 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 culmination 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 conservatively.

Symptoms

In adults the manifestations of plano-valgus foot are the following:

1. swelling of the lower limbs;
2. severe pain (the foot hurts in the metatarsal bone area);
3. constant corns and 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.

How dangerous is the pathology?

Adults who suffer from hallux valgus are at high risk of developing disorders that lead to disability, as the deformed foot can lose its function.

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

Diagnostics

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

• Collection of medical history and external examination.
• Palpation of the area of the deformity.
• Radiograph in three projections.
• If necessary, CT, MRI.
• Consultation with specialists in the identification of concomitant diseases.

Features of 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 compliance with all medical instructions.

Drugs (systemic and local)

Treatment with medications is designed to relieve foot pain and reduce inflammation.To this end, NSAIDs are prescribed in a selected dosage taking into account additional diseases, since the drugs affect the functioning of the stomach.Medicines can be used both locally in the form of creams and ointments, and 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 course of treatment it is important to take vitamins and minerals to strengthen bone tissue and ligaments.

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 securely protects the leg, preventing the disease from worsening.
3. Valgus braces are intended for hallux valgus when correction of this area is necessary.

All orthopedic devices are selected individually after visiting an orthopedist.

Massage

Massage sessions can be done 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 do self-massage every day after a hard day.

Physical therapy

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

Main complex:

• Circular movements of the ankle, bringing the feet closer and further away from you.
• Lying on your back - imitation of riding a bicycle.
• Movements of each finger separately.
• Rolling from toe to heel.
• Grasp small objects from the floor with your foot.
• Draw with a marker held at the tip 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 the leg muscles.The exercise must be performed while sitting on the floor with the lower limbs straightened.

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

Physiotherapy

A regular course of procedures can relieve pain, muscle spasms and restore microcirculation in the tissues, as well as strengthen the ligament 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: heating of spasmodic tissues;
5. applications of muds, ozokerite.

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

Folk remedies

It is not practical to treat bunions at home, but alternative medicine can alleviate the patient's condition before consulting a doctor.

Popular recipes:

• Pour the 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 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 it with a bandage.

Surgery

In the absence of effects of 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 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 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 transplant.

Prevention

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

1. Following the principles of correct nutrition.
2. Elimination of bad habits.
3. Weight control.
4. Moderate physical activity.
5. Organization of correct daily rest.
6. Self-massage of the feet and physical therapy.
7. In summer: walk barefoot on sand, 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 visits.

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