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Effective methods for treating hallux valgus in adults

Foot curvature is not uncommon in adulthood.The disease appears in childhood, and due to various circumstances, not many people treat it to the end.Let's see how to remedy the situation below.

Causes and risk groups

Outwardly, hallux valgus in adults looks like a person falls inward while walking.As a result, the disease causes discomfort during movement or static pressure on the legs.

The main phenomena leading to curvature:

  • problems related to the improper development and formation of the lower limbs in the prenatal period;
  • wearing shoes that do not fit the growth of the foot;
  • 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.

The curvature of the foot can happen to anyone, but more often it is 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 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. Paralysis - after previous illnesses.
  5. Crampy.
  6. Hypercorrection - due to inadequate treatment of previously identified pathology.
  7. Anglophile.
  8. After trauma and rupture of the ligamentous apparatus.

In adults, Hallux valgus has several severities:

  • the first is deformation of the joint with subluxation of the foot;
  • the second is displacement of the tendons and curvature of the thumb;
  • the third is a pathological process of bone tissue, in which the fingers diverge by 20 degrees;
  • the fourth degree is the peak of changes with the loss of foot functions and the spread of the disease to the ankle joint and above.The disease causes constant discomfort that cannot be corrected conservatively.

Symptoms

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

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

How dangerous is the pathology?

Adults with hallux valgus are at high risk of developing diseases that lead to disability, as the deformed foot may lose function.

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

Diagnostics

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

  • Anamnesis taking and external examination.
  • Palpation of the deformed area.
  • X-ray in three views.
  • If necessary, CT, MRI.
  • Specialist consultation when identifying concurrent diseases.

Features of the treatment of hallux valgus in adults

The therapy of the disease must be comprehensive and include several methods.The healing process is long and requires strict adherence to all medical instructions.

Medicines (systemic and local)

The goal of drug treatment is to relieve leg pain and reduce inflammation.For this purpose, 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 applied 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 (up to three days) course.

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

Feet with hallux valgus

Orthopedic devices

This product group is used to correct the foot and keep it in the correct position.It is recommended to wear it regularly not only for therapeutic purposes, but also as a preventive measure.

  1. Insoles 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 firmly fixes the leg, preventing the aggravation of the disease.
  3. Valgus braces are intended for the wrist when correction of this area is required.

Each orthopedic device is selected individually after a visit to the orthopedic doctor.

Massage

Massage 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 warming, without further trauma to the deformed area.

At home, it is recommended to perform a daily self-massage after a hard day.

Exercise therapy

Training aimed at strengthening the leg should be started after the signs of inflammation have disappeared.Before starting exercise, warm up your muscles and massage your legs.

Main complex:

  • Circular movements of the ankle, pulling the feet towards and away from you.
  • Lying on your back - an imitation of cycling.
  • Each finger moves separately.
  • Roll from toe to heel.
  • Grabbing small objects from the floor with the feet.
  • Draw with a marker held in the toes on a piece of paper.
  • Seated rolling of glass or rolling pin.
  • Walk on your toes, heels and sides of your feet.
  • Tension and relaxation of leg muscles.The exercise should be performed sitting on the floor with straightened lower limbs.

Movements should not cause discomfort or discomfort.The number of approaches and repetitions should be added gradually.

Walking on the toes to strengthen the foot with hallux valgus

Physiotherapy

Regular procedures can relieve pain, muscle spasms and restore tissue microcirculation, as well as strengthen the ligamentous apparatus of the planovalgus foot, stopping the process of deformation.

Basic techniques:

  1. ultrasound - speeding up metabolism and removing salts from the problem area;
  2. laser - reduction of inflammation and swelling;
  3. UVT - normalization of blood circulation;
  4. magnet - heating of the spasmodic tissues;
  5. mud applications, ozokerite.

The prescribed course of physiotherapy cannot be independently supplemented or canceled without consulting a doctor, as this may lead to an aggravation of the problem.

Folk remedies

It is impractical to treat hallux valgus at home, but alternative medicine can alleviate the patient's condition before consulting a doctor.

Popular recipes:

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

Surgical intervention

In the absence of the effect of conservative methods, and in the case of 3-4 degree hallux valgus deformity, surgical treatment is recommended.

There are two directions of surgical procedures - traditional and laser.

The first type of surgery is performed under general anesthesia with the application of a plaster cast for several weeks and requires a recovery period.

There are several forms of laser treatment:

  1. exostectomy – removal of bone growths with correction of the external shape of the foot;
  2. cutting out the phalanx of the big toe and fixing it in the right position;
  3. arthroplasty – incision of the deformity and, if necessary, replacement of the joint, tendon transplantation.

Prevention

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

  1. Adherence to the principles of proper nutrition.
  2. Eliminating bad habits.
  3. Weight control.
  4. Moderate physical activity.
  5. Organizing adequate daily rest.
  6. Foot self-massage 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 street.
  11. Regular medical examinations.

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