Making statements about
Hallux Valgus, Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Ali Murat Kalender pointed out that Hallux valgus is a problem that can be easily corrected with surgical treatment and has a low chance of recurrence.
Hallux valgus is a big toe deformity that is common among our people but is not taken seriously unless it causes pain. It can be defined as a bone protrusion in the thumb. Hallux valgus is a foot problem that is more common in women and is often seen together with flat feet.
The most important risk factor for thumb protrusion is genetic background. It is rare for it to occur in a single family member. In addition, it may occur due to many factors such as having flat feet or high arches, rheumatic disorders, use of shoes that are not suitable for the foot structure and previous trauma. Deformities and complaints increase with tight and high-heeled shoes, and women cannot wear the shoes they want. It causes severe pain when worn. Weight has been stated as an aggravating factor in the course of the disease. However, since wearing high-heeled shoes is less common in overweight women, the disease may progress without complaints. These patients generally prefer to get rid of the pain by choosing soft, wide-fronted and short-heeled or flat shoes.
In general, increasing deformity and the resulting limitation in wearing shoes are at the forefront in the course of Hallux valgus disease.
Non-surgical treatments may be recommended
Non-surgical treatments may be recommended to relieve advanced pain in patients. Devices such as silicone insoles, toe-to-toe silicone rollers, and hallux valgus night splints can be used. But these do not reduce or eliminate the disease. It only reduces pain. Essentially, the definitive treatment is surgical correction. There is an opinion among the public that it will happen again. However, with the appropriate surgical method, recurrence of the disease is very rare. The goal of surgery is a functional, painless foot, not cosmetic. When there are additional diseases, the foot is tried to be corrected at once with multiple procedures. It is very common for both feet to be affected. However, surgical correction is done one by one. Surgery on both feet at the same time is not the preferred method.
Aesthetically important for women
Treatment is not urgent. When it is late, wounds on the skin, calcification and stiffness in the joints may be observed. Surgical treatment should not be delayed in patients with diabetes, hypertension and people with arteriosclerosis. If a wound develops on this bone protrusion, a wound that is very difficult to close occurs. If this wound becomes infected, a serious condition occurs.
Immobilization such as plaster splint is no longer a preferred method after thumb protrusion surgery. During the first 2 days, the foot is kept elevated and ice is applied. Patients are recommended to walk on the heel for 3 weeks with a soft dressing, comfortable wide slippers. Patients can return to desk work in 3-5 days after surgery. Can wear normal shoes on the 20th day. An active walker can switch to normal walking after 4 weeks. High heels can only be worn after 8 weeks.
Hallux valgus is a problem that can be easily corrected by surgical treatment and has a low chance of recurrence.
Read: 0
