Hallux valgus causes and remedies: Everything you need to know

Hallux valgus is a malformation that affects the first metatarsal of the foot and the proximal phalanx, specifically the big toe. In this article we will delve into "hallux valgus causes and remedies".

Most common among women over 40 , hallux valgus is characterized by the base of the big toe protruding towards the inside of the foot ; consequently, the tip of the big toe presses outwards , compressing the other toes.

In addition to being aesthetically unpleasant, hallux valgus also causes pain and discomfort , as well as a limitation of the natural movement of the foot.

But how does hallux valgus develop ? What are the symptoms ? How is it diagnosed ? And what are the treatments for this widespread condition?

The causes of hallux valgus

There are several causes that lead to the development of hallux valgus pathology.

In most cases it is a genetic-hereditary problem.

Hallux valgus can be hereditary , like many other conditions, if it runs in the family's medical history. It can also be genetic if the foot's conformation predisposes it to the development of diseases.

For example: a flat foot or a foot that tends to overpronate are more likely to develop hallux valgus than a genetically and structurally healthy foot.

Aside from genetic and hereditary factors, bad habits are also detrimental to healthy feet. Wearing uncomfortable , ill- fitting shoes significantly contributes to the development of the condition.

Wearing high-heeled shoes or shoes with a narrow toe box too often causes the natural shape of the foot to be compressed and causes body weight, which should be evenly distributed across the sole of the foot, to be concentrated mainly on the big toe.

Another cause of hallux valgus is physical trauma . Fractures or serious injuries can impair the functionality of the foot, leading to pathologies, including the one being discussed.

Hallux valgus can also develop in the presence of other pathologies , such as rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory diseases. These, in fact, cause damage to the tissues and joints of the foot, making it prone to deformity.

Symptoms of hallux valgus

How can you tell if you have a bunion?

First of all, the outward displacement of the bone at the base of the big toe begins to be noticeable almost immediately, also because the tip of the big toe presses on the other toes, giving the foot a deformed appearance that it didn't have before.

Aside from the aesthetic and visual aspects of the condition, pain , redness , and swelling are the most common and bothersome symptoms of hallux valgus.

Unfortunately, pain is inevitable . By resting your foot, wearing comfortable shoes or no shoes at all, the pain will be mild . With exertion or wearing uncomfortable shoes, the pain can become excruciating.

Redness is a natural consequence of the displacement of the bone which presses towards the epidermis, stressing and irritating it.

Like redness, swelling is almost always a symptom that something is wrong. In addition to causing pain from the deformed big toe, swelling can cause other pain, even to the touch.

These symptoms, if left untreated, can worsen the overall health of the foot. 

Pain, redness and swelling , in fact, contribute to making the normal articulation of the foot particularly difficult, which inevitably leads to problems with gait and posture , as well as making it impossible to wear sufficiently comfortable shoes.

All of this can affect the alignment of the feet . Not only does a deviated big toe risk deviating from the other toes, but it can also alter the correct distribution of weight across the entire foot, contributing to damage to the entire foot.

Diagnosis of hallux valgus

To prevent bunions from damaging the entire foot, and to be able to act promptly to resolve the problem, early diagnosis is necessary.

As soon as the first symptoms appear, the patient should be checked by his/her doctor.

If you suspect hallux valgus, you should contact an orthopedic specialist who will perform a diagnostic examination.

The diagnostic test follows 3 basic steps :

1. The doctor look at the foot, paying attention to the big toe and its joint;
2. If the first symptoms, such as swelling and redness, are already visible, the doctor proceeds to mobility assessment, both of the big toe and of the other toes;
3. Finally the doctor will evaluate posture and gait, to understand and detect anomalies and evaluate the severity of the pathology.

Once the first 3 steps of the diagnostic test have been completed, the doctor will, in most cases, prescribe X-rays.

These are essential both to confirm the diagnosis and to evaluate the state of the pathology , whether it is in the initial phase or whether it is already in an advanced stage.

Precisely to ensure timely intervention and avoid compromising the entire foot, early diagnosis is crucial. By diagnosing the condition early, appropriate treatment can be implemented as quickly as possible, ranging from conservative to more definitive, such as surgery.

Non-surgical treatments for bunions

Non-surgical treatments for bunions are called “conservative treatments.”

These treatments, by their very definition, serve to combat the symptoms of hallux valgus and ensure that the pathology does not worsen.

Carefully following your doctor's instructions is essential to avoid compromising the condition of your foot . Taking personal initiatives without medical supervision does not guarantee the success of the treatment and could jeopardize your health.

But what are these conservative treatments?

Among the most common and recommended is certainly the use of anti-inflammatory drugs . These help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Medication intake is combined with specific physical activity that includes physiotherapy and specific exercises.

Both as a prevention and as a therapeutic treatment, it is important to wear comfortable and ergonomic shoes, which tend not to stress the big toe area and to distribute body weight as best as possible on the sole of the foot.

Depending on the severity of the hallux valgus, other conservative treatments may include: 

• Use of orthopedic insoles;
• Using medical tape (taping) to stabilize the big toe;
• Use of orthopedic insoles;
• Cortisone injections.

Surgery for hallux valgus

When conservative treatments do not resolve the pathology and it is now at an advanced stage, the doctor himself will recommend surgery.

There are several surgical procedures for hallux valgus, from traditional interventions to minimally invasive ones that exploit technological innovations.

Osteotomy, arthrodesis, and prosthetic implantation are considered the classic and slightly more invasive procedures. These require a postoperative recovery period that can vary from 6 to 12 weeks.

These recovery times, even if they may frighten or cause doubt in the patient, are essential to regain complete mobility of the foot.

These 3 interventions, however, are considered the most effective for solving the problem of hallux valgus.

Osteotomy , for example, is the most common and involves cutting and repositioning the big toe to correct the entire deformity. The operation lasts between 1 and 2 hours but, in most cases, resolves the condition.

Arthrodesis and prosthetic implantation are two slightly more complex operations.

The first involves fusing the bones of the big toe joint together, while the second involves inserting an artificial prosthesis that replaces the damaged joint.

The benefits of bunion surgery

Despite the relatively long recovery times, from 6 to 12 weeks, surgery remains the most effective solution for returning to everyday life.

Pain reduction and recovery of foot mobility are the certain results that the operation achieves.

Not only does it restore the quality of life the patient had lost , but hallux valgus surgery is also an excellent deterrent to the development of other foot pathologies.

SmartHallux surgery

SmartHallux offers the opportunity to rely on specialized and professional surgeons , led by Dr. Luigi Manzi , an internationally renowned surgeon.

Thanks to the minimally invasive surgery techniques developed by SmartHallux , post-operative recovery times are shorter.

Smarthallux has established itself as a leader in the treatment of foot and ankle conditions, thanks above all to its innovative techniques , the professionalism and expertise of its team, as well as the use of latest-generation instruments.

How to book an appointment with SmartHallux

Hallux valgus is a painful and disabling foot condition. 

Don't let this disease rob you of the quality of life you deserve!

Book your appointment with SmartHallux today and find out how we can help you restore your foot health.

Click here to book now and start your journey to a pain-free life.