Treatment of bunions on the toe

Bunion on the big toe - treatment at home

The formation of a lump (bone) in the area of ​​the head of the first toe of the metatarsal bone of the foot, in medicine is called hallux (abduсto) valgus, the most common terminology denoting any deformation processes at the level of the medial metatarsocuneiform joint of the foot.

In most cases, it is accompanied by valgus - deformation of the 1st toe with deviation to one side.

In fact, in reality, this term reflects a complex pathology, the end result of which is expressed by a change in the direction of the 1st toe - this is:

change in the anatomical position of the 1st metatarsal (tubular) bone, in the form of deviation to the side;

dislocation or subluxation of small unstable bones (sesamoid);

weakening of the muscular-ligamentous structure and imbalance in the forefoot;

prolapse of the longitudinal external arch or internal;

direct curvature of the finger itself.

The close anatomical relationship of these structures, if at least one element of this chain is damaged, leads to a number of pathological changes. The treatment of such pathology with “grandmother’s” recipes advertised on the Internet is nothing more than a myth. You cannot independently cure articular and muscular-ligamentous deformities with lotions, spells, eggs and all sorts of crap that “medical experts” advise.

It is necessary to undergo an examination to find out the extent of damage and the cause. Yes, with such a pathology, therapeutic methods are used to treat the bunion on the big toe at home, but only at a certain stage of the disease - as a technique that prevents further development of the disease. In advanced processes, there are many surgical methods to eliminate the defect.

How does the “bone” develop?

The immediate cause of protrusion of the metatarsal tubular bone is flat feet - congenital or acquired under the influence of provocative factors. At the same time, the shock-absorbing functions of the foot are lost and, as a result, the center of gravity of the body shifts and an uneven redistribution of loads occurs on certain areas of the musculoskeletal system, which are not designed for them at all.

As a result of flat feet, weakness of the ligamentous structures of the feet develops, causing subluxation or dislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint. The weakened ligaments are not able to hold it in the anatomical position and the bone deviates, forming an external bulge, and the finger deviates in the direction of its “relatives”.

If the causative factor is not removed and therapeutic and preventive measures are not taken, the radius of deviation will increase, the finger will creep onto the neighboring ones and cause their deviation, while the bone on the finger will increase in size.

Joint deformation will be accompanied by:

degenerative-inflammatory processes;

pain symptoms;

proliferation of cartilage and bone tissue;

limitation of joint mobility;

sudden development of an ugly foot.

Women are susceptible to the development of bones on the metatarsophalangeal joint. Not because many of them have a weakness for beautiful, fashionable high-heeled shoes, as many believe.

In itself, a high heel and a narrow toe contribute to the stress on the feet, but if the owner of such shoes feels comfortable in them and they do not cause her pain or fatigue, wear them to your health. But such loads on the legs should not have a long-term effect.

This also applies to shoes with completely flat soles. Constant wearing leads to dystrophy of the base (arch) of the foot, which is the main focus when walking, the ligaments and the base itself are stretched too much, the foot spreads out and causes pain when walking. Normally, the heel or wedge should not exceed 4 cm.

Sometimes the nature of the development of the bones can be easily determined by carefully looking at the feet of the closest relatives. Genes give us “gifts”. People at risk include:

with congenital foot deformities;

post-traumatic deformities;

with acquired and congenital pathologies of the ligamentous apparatus;

patients with improper and irrational nutrition, whose obesity causes additional stress on the legs;

with special professional activities (ballerinas, dancers).

Treating bunions at home

Treatment of a bunion on the big toe at home involves the use of conservative methods of official medicine, used in the initial stages of the development of the disease. Elimination of all provocative factors and individually selected treatment will help avoid neglect of the process and surgical intervention.

Treatment of bunions is complex and long-term, ensuring the elimination of pathological deformation and correction of pain symptoms. Due to the inclusion of several techniques. For treatment to be successful, it is first necessary to reduce the load on the feet.

With the help of diet therapy and properly selected shoes:

• Choosing the right diet will help eliminate the development of joint inflammatory processes. The diet should not include fatty, spicy foods and spices, baked goods and legume dishes. This diet will help you lose excess weight and, accordingly, reduce your workload.
• The effect of the treatment largely depends on what kind of shoes the patient uses. Shoes should be comfortable and spacious, with a stable heel not exceeding four centimeters. The toe of the shoe should preferably have a rounded configuration so that the toes do not experience any pressure.
• The dense, flexible sole is good for shock absorption. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe the wearing of orthopedic shoes or specialized insoles, which helps eliminate flat feet and reduce deforming processes, and sometimes causes reverse development (regression) of the disease.

Strengthening the muscular-ligamentous apparatus and bones

Massage procedures relieve pain, help relax the feet, remove muscle tension, improve blood circulation, which helps supply tissues with nutrients.

You can massage your feet yourself - rub, stroke, knead, after salt baths for 10 - 15 minutes.

A set of therapeutic exercises. Formulated by a professional and aimed at strengthening the ligamentous apparatus and correcting displaced bones. When treating a bunion at home, it is possible to use simple complex exercises - alternating walking on toes, heels, straight and lateral walking on the outer and inner surfaces of the feet (10-20 minutes).

• paraffin therapy and mud therapy;
• UHF and magnet therapy;
• electrophoresis and mud baths;
• acupuncture, laser and magnetic therapy;
• electrical stimulation;
• introducing calcium, phosphorus and hydrocortisone into the body using electrophoresis and phonophoresis;
• shock wave therapy, used to eliminate cartilage growths.

Innovative methods include PRP treatment (injection of the patient's own platelet-rich plasma). This method accelerates the recovery process in bones, ligaments and joints.

• A great way to strengthen your feet, and also a pleasant one, is to walk barefoot (on sand, pebbles, or just on the ground).

Selection of orthopedic correction

big toe braces photo

Conservative methods of orthopedic correction include:

• fixation of the toe in the anatomical position with corrective splints-fixators of the big toe bone;
• constant wearing of orthopedic insoles, instep supports and interdigital rollers, which helps to evenly distribute the load on the toe zone of the foot;
• the use of ties to support its transverse base;
• fixing crooked fingers in the desired position with corrective abduction bandages.

Such devices cannot be used independently. The selection and wearing rules are determined by the doctor, since some require constant wear (for flat feet), while others are worn only during night sleep.

The task of all corrective devices is to create the most convenient and comfortable barrier between crooked toes and shoes and between the toes themselves.

For example, insoles and instep supports help create the physiological position of the foot (with curvature and flat feet), and toe correctors and bolsters ensure the creation of the correct position for the big toes.

Drug therapy does not play a special role in such pathology. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to eliminate inflammatory reactions and pain symptoms. They have a temporary effect and do not affect the progression of the pathology.

Unfortunately, in advanced cases, methods of surgical intervention are individually selected; there are more than 400 types of them - open, closed, minimally invasive laser, on bones, tissues and ligaments.

It all depends on the degree of joint deformation and its cause. I would like to note that surgical operations remove pathology, but do not affect the cause of its development. This means that the main thing in treatment is to reduce the provocative factor to zero.

What can hallux valgus lead to?

You need to get rid of a bone on your thumb in any case, since the development and neglect of the process can cause:

1. X-shaped deformation of the limbs;
2. Development of metabolic cartilage destruction in the joints of the hips and knees;
3. Curvature of the pelvic bones;
4. Dystrophic processes in articular cartilage;
5. Abnormal curvature of the spine;
6. Development of herniated intervertebral discs;
7. Manifestation of signs of discogenic radiculopathy.

Treatment of a bunion on the big toe at home is possible only in the early stages of the degenerative process. You can determine this yourself if you don’t miss it :

initial signs of deviation towards the 1st toe;

modifications of the feet - width and increase in shoe size;

pain and discomfort of the feet at rest;

signs of frequent neoplasms (calluses, warts);

change in gait;

formation of compactions in the area of ​​the base of the metatarsal bone of the 1st toe;

slight curvature of the legs, and if you wear down your shoes on one side.

Medical specialists determine the degree of hallux valgus by the angle of deviation. To a mere mortal, this does not mean anything; identifying at least one of the listed initial signs in oneself indicates that the development process is gaining momentum and this is already a reason for an emergency visit to an orthopedist.