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Effective methods to treat 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 treat it until the end.Let's see how to fix the situation below.

Causes and risk groups.

Externally, hallux valgus in adults looks like a person falls inward when walking.As a result, the disease causes discomfort when moving or static pressure in the feet.

The main phenomena leading to curvature:

  • problems associated with improper development and formation of the lower extremities in the prenatal period;
  • wearing ill-fitting shoes as your foot grows;
  • dysplasia;
  • hormonal changes in the body with metabolic disorders;
  • previous diseases (paralysis, osteoporosis);
  • obesity or sudden weight gain due to pregnancy and pregnancies;
  • Injury to the bones of the foot and ankle.

Curvature of the foot can occur in anyone, but most often it occurs in women under 35 years of age who spend a lot of time on their feet (teachers, models, salespeople, healthcare workers) or people engaged in athletics.

hallux valgus

Types and grades

There are several types of foot deformities:

  1. Static - 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. Hypercorrectional – due to inadequate treatment of a previously identified pathology.
  7. Rickety.
  8. After trauma and rupture of the ligamentous apparatus.

Hallux valgus in adults has various 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 peak 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 causes constant discomfort that cannot be corrected conservatively.

Symptoms

In adults, the manifestations of flat-valgus feet are the following:

  1. swelling of the lower extremities;
  2. severe pain (the foot hurts in the area of the metatarsal bone);
  3. constant calluses, 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. gait impairment (sagging);
  10. concomitant 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 ailments that lead to disability, since the deformed foot can lose its function.

Not only the function of walking upright is affected by the problem: the pathology causes varicose veins, joint problems, curvature of the spine, migraines, the development of diabetic foot, transverse flatfoot and the appearance of heel spurs.

Diagnosis

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

  • Taking anamnesis and external examination.
  • Palpation of the area of deformity.
  • Radiography in three projections.
  • If necessary, CT, MRI.
  • Consult with specialists when identifying concomitant diseases.

Features of the treatment of hallux valgus in adults.

Therapy for the disease should be comprehensive and include various methods.The recovery process is long and requires strict compliance with all medical instructions.

Medications (systemic and local)

Medication treatment is designed to relieve foot pain and reduce inflammation.For these purposes, NSAIDs are prescribed in a dosage that is selected taking into account additional diseases, since the drugs affect the functioning of the stomach.Medications can be used 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 treatment, it is important to take vitamins and minerals to strengthen bone tissue and ligaments.

Legs with hallux valgus

Orthopedic devices

This group of products is used to correct and maintain the foot in the correct position.It is recommended to use 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 firmly secures the leg, preventing the disease from worsening.
  3. Valgus braces are intended for the bunion when correction of this area is necessary.

All orthopedic devices are selected individually after visiting an orthopedist.

massage

Massage sessions can be carried out 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.The movements should be circular, rubbing or warming, without additional trauma to the deformed area.

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

exercise therapy

Training to strengthen the foot should begin once signs of inflammation have disappeared.Before starting physical exercise, it is necessary to warm up the muscles and massage the feet.

Main complex:

  • Circular ankle movements, bringing your 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.
  • Drawing with a marker held on the toes on a sheet of paper.
  • Roll a bottle or roller while sitting.
  • Walk on the balls of your feet, heels, and sides of your feet.
  • Tension and relaxation of the leg muscles.The exercise should be performed sitting on the floor with the lower extremities stretched.

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

Walking on tiptoe 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 planavalgus 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: warm spasmodic tissues;
  5. applications of mud, ozokerite.

You cannot independently add or cancel a prescribed course of physiotherapy without consulting a doctor, as this can worsen the problem.

Folk remedies

It is not practical 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 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 it 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 with a bandage.

surgical intervention

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

Surgical procedures have two directions: traditional and laser.

The first type of operation 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, replacement of the joint, tendon transplant.

Prevention

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. Organization of adequate daily rest.
  6. Foot self-massage and exercise therapy.
  7. In summer, walk barefoot on sand, small pebbles and dirt.
  8. Use of insoles and orthotics.
  9. Comfortable shoes without heels.
  10. Compliance with security measures at home and on the street.
  11. Periodic medical examinations.

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