A disease in which a “bone” grows on the big toe is called hallux valgus or “Hallus valgus.” According to statistics, the disease occurs mainly in women, but in rare cases it can also occur in men. In the early stages, conservative therapy can be carried out, but for successful treatment it is important to eliminate the causes that lead to persistent deformation of the foot bones.
At its core, enlargement of the big toe bone is an orthopedic pathology, which is accompanied by outward deviation of the big toe. A gradual change in the angle between the big toe and the axis of the foot causes changes in the first metatarsophalangeal joint and a flattened front arch of the foot.
The symptoms of the disease, even at an early stage of its development, are difficult to miss, since the bones on the big toes hurt, and wearing familiar shoes causes discomfort. The development of transverse flatfoot causes the appearance of corns and calluses on the sole, which further complicates walking and can cause decreased ability to work.
Hallux valgus is not only a huge cosmetic problem (the foot becomes visually ugly), but also carries the risk of developing orthopedic problems. After all, the deviation of the big toe outward causes a chain reaction in the form of pathological changes in the ligaments, tendons, muscles and musculoskeletal system of the foot. As a result, complications such as:
On the left is a healthy foot, on the right is a foot with a bunion on the big toe.
Doctors to this day continue to study the reasons that cause the growth of the big toe bone, but it has been proven that the following factors play a large role in the development of the disease.
If we talk about treatment options, it is important to know that in the initial stage the disease can be stopped and permanent bone deformation can be prevented. If there is pain and discomfort when walking, and swelling appears in the area of the metatarsophalangeal joint, you can undergo an initial examination of the foot and make a differential diagnosis.
The main diagnostic method is x-ray, but in some cases other studies may be used. An orthopedic surgeon treats bunions on the toe.
Big toe bunion corrector.
Treatment options include the following.
Thus, the disease requires not only prevention, but also timely diagnosis and therapy. Early detection of the problem will help prevent bone deformation and many cosmetic and orthopedic complications.
In my opinion, the cause of Hallus valgus is hereditary (no matter what the pundits say!), and this disease is one of those that is difficult to cure. However, there are certain methods of treatment, and there is also a certain effectiveness of these methods!
This question has always interested me, but I have never studied this problem in detail, most likely due to the low information content of the resources that I came across. Now I already know exactly all the problems of the bottom issue, and how to deal with this problem. It seems to me that if all small and large sores are neglected, including on the legs, then in old age it can come back to haunt you.
This defect is not only hereditary. Very often the onset of the disease occurs in childhood, when the baby begins to walk. It is very important to choose the right shoes, preferably special orthopedic preventive shoes. Many children have hallux valgus because of this. And if parents notice during this time, then up to 3 years of age can be cured with massage and therapeutic shoes, since the foot is formed before the age of 3. And if left untreated, complications will appear over time, such as bone growth.
The appearance of hallux valgus, or so-called “bunions” on the feet, can greatly disturb the owner of this unpleasant disease, causing discomfort while walking and causing certain problems when choosing comfortable shoes. Moreover, ignoring the symptoms can lead to complications - the appearance of foot arthrosis, bursitis and even osteochondrosis. Many people believe that the only way to get rid of bunions is through surgery, but in fact, properly selected exercises for bunions can be very effective if your disease is not advanced.
If you notice the appearance of a protruding bunion near your big toe, you probably have a question: “Is it possible to remove a bunion on your foot, and is it worth doing?” Exercises performed systematically, with a precise understanding of the goal in the first stages of the disease, will help, if not return the joint to its original state, then bring the shape of the foot closer to normal . Unfortunately, the answer “maybe it will go away on its own” in this case will be incorrect.
In fact, the so-called “bump” is a deformed metatarsophalangeal joint that should fix the big toe in the correct position. It is very useful to regularly perform exercises for a bunion on the big toe - their effect is undeniable, because they:
The appearance of a bunion can be due to various reasons: long-term wearing of uncomfortable tight shoes, heredity, being overweight, etc. The earlier you pay attention to the problem, the easier and faster it can be eliminated non-surgically. Exercises may not help completely remove a bunion, but they will significantly eliminate discomfort, unpleasant symptoms, and correct the situation from an aesthetic point of view.
Gymnastics for bunions is very effective in the initial stages of the disease, as well as during the rehabilitation period after surgery (if it was not possible to get rid of the problem using conservative methods).
When performing the exercises, you should follow these simple rules:
Before charging, you should do a general warm-up. There are a lot of exercises, it is not necessary to do the whole complex every day. They can be alternated depending on how you feel, the availability of time and the situation. We perform each about 10 times. Over time (when you feel that all the exercises are easy for you), the load should be increased.
At the very beginning, you should warm up, it is also advisable to massage your feet. Now we can begin.
Many bunion exercises do not require maximum concentration on your part and can be performed, for example, while watching a TV show, knitting, or reading a book. And some - even at the desktop:
These exercises are useful not only for improving the condition of the leg joints and reducing the rehabilitation period, but also for prevention. Don’t forget also about walks in the fresh air, hardening (for example, a contrast shower is a simple and accessible way to everyone), watch your diet and daily routine. I wish you health and easy walking!
HALLUX VALGUS (colloquially “bunions” or “bumps” on the legs) is a common female problem. It is not typical for men due to greater wiry and strength of the leg muscles. That is why it is believed that the disease is mainly hereditary and transmitted through the female line.
Another cause of this unpleasant disease is a combination of biomechanical factors and foot injuries. Bunions are especially common in women who, for the sake of fashion, prefer narrow shoes with high heels and sharp toes that squeeze the fingers. It has been noted that in those regions where people go without shoes at all, the disease is practically not widespread.
The growing bone is immediately noticeable. The big toe deviates outward and cannot be returned to its normal position. The protruding “bump” often turns red, becomes inflamed, and calluses appear on it from close contact with shoes. At the same time, the leg looks unaesthetic, and you have to forget about beautiful shoes.
But it’s not just cosmetic problems that concern those with bunions. Over time, the “bumps” begin to hurt and make walking difficult. Simultaneously with the growth of the bones, patients may experience progressive flattening of the foot in its front part, and a transverse or combined form of flatfoot often develops. The entire foot is deformed, with the first metatarsal bone being squeezed inward along the edge of the foot.
In the future, due to constant displacement, the joints begin to wear out, and arthrosis or bursitis develops in them. The pain in this case can be very strong.
Is it possible to somehow fight this disease? There are many recipes for this, including traditional medicine. But the bulk of them are aimed at preventing the development of “bones” or at alleviating pain. Many doctors believe that getting rid of “bones” is only possible through surgery.
But there is another opinion. Of course, if you start taking action at the first signs of a disease, the chances of reversing it or significantly slowing it down increase many times over. But even in advanced cases, you can do without surgery.
What does traditional medicine offer us? First of all, you should understand that an increasing “knot” on the leg is nothing more than a salt build-up, the appearance of which we ourselves provoked due to poor nutrition and low mobility. Therefore, all treatment should be aimed at resolving the deposits. This is why ointments, even the most expensive ones, are usually ineffective. They only dull the pain.
One of the proven methods is to lubricate the sore spot with the bile of pets or birds. This bile is sold in pharmacies. It contains active enzymes that can penetrate salt deposits and dissolve them. To consolidate the effect, you can alternate bile with tincture of iodine (5 drops) and vinegar (1 teaspoon). 15-minute salt baths at room temperature also help. In addition to salt, you can add iodine to the water; it can also be used to lubricate growths to relieve pain. It is important to carry out procedures regularly.
Another treatment option is to bandage pieces of fresh (not frozen!) river fish to the bones overnight. A week-long course of treatment is alternated with a week of rubbing fir oil at night.
To speed up metabolism and remove excess uric acid from the body, boil and boil in a water bath (about 10 minutes) madder roots (one teaspoon). The cooled and strained broth is drunk twice a day, half a glass.
For the treatment of bunion deformities, there is a unique remedy that helps 100%, allows you to get rid of the disease in a month and is an excellent prevention of curvature of the bunion on the big toe - this is the Valgus Pro corrector.
Valgus Pro is suitable for any stage of the disease, even with severe finger deformation. All this has been confirmed by clinical studies. The thumb corrector is made of hyapoallergenic gel material and is very elastic and comfortable. It prevents any chafing between the fingers. When wearing open or dress shoes, the retainer does not interfere at all and is almost invisible. But its most important advantage is ensuring the correct position of the toes.
If you are faced with the problem of a deformed toe bone, then the Valgus Pro corrector is the first thing you need. Why? Because this unique invention keeps the big toe in the correct position. Thanks to this, it does not deviate while walking. In addition, the growth of the bone stops, since the foot is prevented from being compressed by uncomfortable or tight shoes.
It has been clinically proven that after just 2 weeks of using the Valgus Pro corrector, pain in chronic calluses decreases and the feeling of discomfort disappears due to a decrease in the mechanical impact on the thumb. And soon the condition of the bone improves significantly.
The Valgus Pro fixator for correction and fixation of the big toe completely eliminates further deformation of the joint. Relieves skin redness and calluses by reducing pressure and chafing in the joint area. Using the Valgus Pro fixator, you can get rid of combined or transverse flat feet. Painful sensations during walking also disappear.
For a positive therapeutic result, the foot corrector must be worn at least 10 hours a day. The result will be noticeable within two weeks.
Hallux valgus, or bunion, is accompanied by a change in the position of the toe and pain at the head of the first metatarsal bone, which connects it to the bones of the foot. This is a common orthopedic problem, occurring mainly in middle-aged and elderly women. In developed countries, this disease is registered in 37% of people over 65 years of age.
Most patients have a hereditary predisposition to the disease. However, the bone begins to grow only under the influence of unfavorable factors, especially tight shoes with high heels. This causes pain when walking and an unaesthetic appearance of the foot. The thumb gradually displaces the index finger upward, and calluses appear on their surfaces.
The articulation between the first metatarsal bone and the first phalanx of the big toe accounts for up to 50% of a person's weight during walking. When walking, the axis of the joint and toes is parallel to the long axis of the foot. This is ensured by uniform tension of muscles and tendons. When gait mechanics are impaired, for example by wearing narrow shoes or high heels, the degree of tension on the tendons changes. As a result, the joint begins to bend with a convexity to the side.
Lateral pull also causes changes in the transverse arch of the foot, namely transverse flatfoot. The forefoot is flattened, as a result of which the first metatarsal bone rotates with its peripheral end outward. The capsule of the joint formed by the head of the metatarsal bone and the first phalanx of the big toe is stretched to the side.
At the same time, the direction of action of the muscles of the 1st toe changes. As a result of stretching of the joint capsule, their tendons are displaced, and the muscles that normally flex and extend the finger begin to pull the phalanx towards the center. As a result, valgus deformation of the joint increases and subluxation develops in it.
Deviation of the metatarsal bone is accompanied by its rotation. The articular surfaces begin to rub against each other, which causes arthrosis of the metatarsophalangeal joint. This leads to disruption of the sole rolling while walking. At the same time, the patient begins to spare the affected area, turning the foot so that it rests more on the outer edge of the foot. The load on the heads of the 2nd – 5th metatarsal bones increases, which shift downwards.
Due to the increased load on the soft tissues in the area of the 2nd - 5th metatarsal bones on the sole, the layer of fatty tissue decreases, and painful corns form.
The drooping heads of the 2nd to 5th metatarsal bones form subluxations in the corresponding joints connecting the foot and toes. The flexor muscles begin to pull the toes toward the foot, causing them to become hammer-shaped. Arthrosis of these joints occurs. Severe transverse flatfoot develops.
Thus, the joint between the metatarsal and phalangeal bones of the big toe changes its shape (remodels), which is accompanied by a structural change in the articular cartilage and the growth of bone tissue in the lateral part of the joint. This is how the “bone” appears. If biomechanical factors are not corrected, excessive rotation of the foot will continue and the deformity will increase.
If the patient has healthy feet, he can safely wear narrow shoes, and a woman can wear high-heeled shoes. Changes occur only if there is a predisposition to foot deformities. At the same time, uncomfortable shoes do not hold the toes in the correct position and do not prevent the development of pathology.
Tumor and pain in the bone occur under the influence of biomechanical, traumatic and metabolic factors. Biomechanical instability is the abnormal alignment of the foot when walking due to congenital changes in the bones or tendons. This pathology develops slowly.
“Bone” develops slowly due to improper positioning of the foot when walking, congenital changes in bones and tendons
Metabolic disorders that can cause swelling of the metatarsophalangeal joint:
The disease can appear as a result of a bruise, a joint fracture, or damage to surrounding soft tissues. For all these conditions, there are treatment features. Therefore, if pain occurs in the joints of the foot and big toe, you should consult an orthopedist.
If you have pain in the first metatarsophalangeal joint, you should consult an orthopedic doctor. Treatment depends on the stage of the disease. An accurate diagnosis must first be made, on which further tactics will depend.
Laboratory tests are usually not required. However, if systemic diseases are suspected, accompanied by the appearance of a “bone” on the leg, the following tests are prescribed:
X-ray of the foot is the standard method for determining pathology
The main role in diagnosis belongs to imaging methods, which make it possible to see the damaged joint and bones. The standard method for assessing pathology and associated deformities is radiography of the foot. It is carried out in several projections and allows you to accurately assess the location of the joint and tendons, the size and shape of the bone growth, and its position relative to other bones of the foot. A radiologist examines various angles and positions of bone formations.
When assessing the condition of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, where the “bone” is formed, pay attention to 2 aspects:
Depending on the clinical and radiological signs, the following stages of the disease are distinguished:
Hallux valgus deformity must be corrected in the following cases:
Possible complications of hallux valgus:
The second finger overlaps the first - one of the complications of the “bone”
The ineffectiveness of conservative methods used to eliminate pain is an indication for surgical intervention.
Some patients turn to the surgeon at an early stage of the disease due to fear of disfiguring foot deformity in the future. However, the rapid development of shape abnormalities with hallux valgus is uncharacteristic, therefore, in such cases, conservative methods are prescribed. The main indications for surgery are pain and discomfort when walking when medications and orthopedic devices are ineffective.
There are more than 300 ways to correct deformity of the metatarsophalangeal joint and accompanying transverse flatfoot. Such diversity is a sign of insufficient effectiveness of any intervention, since none of them eliminates the cause of the disease. The operation does not affect the weakness of the ligaments and muscles of the foot, and therefore cannot completely eliminate all deformities and restore the complex biomechanism of normal walking.
The operation is not performed in the following cases:
In this case, soft shoe pads, medications, and orthopedic devices are prescribed.
Physiotherapy is also used: shock wave method, electrophoresis of lidase, novocaine, ultrasound, magnetic field. These methods improve blood circulation in the affected joint, improve its nutrition and reduce pain.
It is better to plan surgical intervention in the spring or autumn, while it is still quite warm, but there is no heat, and the legs do not swell. While the patient is awaiting surgery, he must select appropriate shoes. It should be wide enough in the front with enough room for your fingers. Internal seams should not put pressure on painful areas. Low heels required.
You need to think about moving the furniture in your home to more convenient places. Even minor changes, such as rearranging your bed, can make recovery from surgery easier. It is necessary to plan the loads so as not to transfer weight to the front of the operated feet. In the first 1.5 months after the intervention, it is necessary to wear special shoes with primary support on the heel area.
Hospitalization is carried out on the day of surgery. You must have a medical insurance card, a referral and other necessary documents with you. The patient signs a consent form for anesthesia and surgery and meets with the surgeon, who can ask his questions.
You should not eat or drink anything for 6 hours before surgery. On the morning of surgery, you should only take your usual medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Before hospitalization, you need to leave all jewelry at home and take a shower.
The operation is performed under local anesthesia, which means the patient is conscious but does not feel pain. Only in severe cases can epidural anesthesia, which causes loss of sensation in the lower extremities, or even general anesthesia be used. This is discussed in advance with the doctor.
The procedure lasts about 45 minutes. A local anesthetic is injected into the surgical area to cause numbness in the thumb area. An incision is made on the inside of the toe, from the middle of the proximal (first from the foot) phalanx to the middle of the first metatarsal bone on the forefoot. If the deformity is severe, the incision is extended to the proximal end of the metatarsal bone (to the middle of the foot).
The doctor removes bone growths and excess soft tissue around the joint. Next, a transverse cut of the metatarsal bone (osteotomy) is performed. The marginal end of the bone moves outward, and the finger straightens. The bones are fixed in their new position using pins, screws or metal wires.
The operation is performed under local anesthesia and lasts about an hour.
For more serious defects, a double osteotomy is performed, that is, not only the metatarsal bone is corrected, but also the phalanx of the big toe. A bandage is applied that corrects the shape of the joint and gently compresses the tissue to avoid swelling. Traction on the nail phalanx of the finger can be used to allow cartilage tissue to grow between the resected areas, while maintaining mobility in the metatarsophalangeal joint.
As a rule, the patient remains in the hospital for 1 night and receives painkillers, and then is discharged home. Upon discharge, it is advisable for him to buy soft sneakers 2 sizes larger than usual.
After discharge, dressings are carried out in the clinic every 2 to 3 days, sutures are removed after 10 days. You must see a surgeon in 1 – 1.5 months. After the operation, you need to wear special shoes recommended by the orthopedist and do not put stress on the forefoot. If necessary, you are allowed to take painkillers. After removing the sutures, it is necessary to begin therapeutic exercises to prevent a decrease in mobility in the joint.
The metal wire is removed 3 to 4 weeks after surgery on an outpatient basis. This procedure is virtually painless. The screws or pins are removed after the metatarsal bone has healed at a later date under local anesthesia.
After 6 weeks, the foot muscles become stronger, the bone heals, and the pain practically disappears. From this moment you can begin to load the foot as usual. Repeated x-rays are not required during a normal recovery period.
After the operation, the pain caused by the pressure of shoes on the deformed first and second toes is reduced. If other metatarsal bones are also affected and the entire foot is deformed, after surgical treatment it is recommended to wear orthopedic insoles to support the arch of the foot.
Even after successful surgery, 60% of patients remain limited in their choice of shoes. They should wear shoes with a wide front and sufficient room for the toes. Pointed-toe shoes will continue to be unavailable to patients.
Serious complications after bunion surgery are rare. However, before the intervention, the patient should be aware of the potential risks:
After completing the recovery period, it is important to prevent relapse of the disease. Therefore, it is necessary to re-examine all possible risk factors and concomitant diseases and take measures to eliminate them.
Some patients require long-term orthopedic monitoring. For example, in rheumatoid arthritis, the use of orthoses slows down the destruction of the joint and provides a better long-term effect after surgery.
In addition to osteotomy, interventions on the tendons and joint capsule can be used. Thus, for many years, in case of valgus of 1 finger, the flexor tendon has been moved to the extensor tendon, which eliminates excessive improper tension. Another type of intervention, adductorotenotomy, involves cutting the tendons that pull the metatarsal bone to the side.
Laser surgery for treating bunions is not yet well developed. Over traditional surgery, it has only minor advantages in the form of minimal bleeding and a lower risk of contracting viral hepatitis and other infections. Laser treatment has only a symptomatic effect, removing bone growth, but it does not restore the joint axis and does not prevent relapse of the disease.
It can be used simultaneously with traditional surgery to eliminate large bones in the third stage of the disease. The principle of operation is to create a small incision over the bony protrusion and evaporate the bone tissue using a laser beam. This directed light source causes a local increase in cell temperature and cell death.
Laser therapy is not the most effective method of treating bunions
Laser bone removal is less likely to cause complications and side effects. This procedure is carried out in several stages. The recovery period is usually the same as for conventional surgery. One of the small advantages of laser intervention is the ability to simultaneously eliminate other foot problems (ingrown toenails, skin warts, and others).
Thus, laser bone removal does not have any significant advantages over traditional surgery. The laser helps better cope with soft tissue diseases, and in the case of a “bone” it is necessary to act on the bone. Therefore, laser treatment for hallux valgus is not the best choice.
Traditional medicine for a bunion will not get rid of it, but will help eliminate pain, restore joint mobility, and maybe even avoid surgery.
Red clay has anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects. To prepare an effective pain reliever and warming agent, take half a glass of clay, add 2 tablespoons of salt, a few drops of iodine tincture and turpentine and stir in 2 glasses of water. Apply the resulting mixture to the bone area every day until it dries, and then rinse with warm water. The course of treatment consists of 14 procedures.
In the evening, pour 3 liters of warm water into a basin and dissolve a small handful of coarse salt in it, preferably sea salt. Such nightly foot baths not only relieve pain, but also relieve muscle spasms, relax tendons, and help restore the anatomy of the foot.
A foot bath with regular soda, to which a few drops of iodine tincture has been added, effectively relaxes tense foot muscles. After the procedure, apply an iodine mesh to the “bone” area, and in the morning rub a nourishing cream into the feet. To increase the effectiveness of this method, make an iodine tincture on dandelion flowers: pour fresh crushed flowers with iodine and leave for 5 days, and then use to treat the “seeds”.
Baths with coarse salt or sea salt relieve tension, relieve pain, and help restore the anatomy of the foot
For inflammation and pain in the joint, a compress made of equal parts of snow and table salt will help. We collect the mixture into a clean napkin and apply it to the foot. When a burning sensation appears, remove the compress, lubricate the foot with olive oil and wrap it in a warm scarf. You need to do 120 such sessions.
Medical bile has a good anti-inflammatory effect. Soak a cotton swab in it, apply it to your foot, previously steamed in warm water, cover it with polyethylene, and tie a scarf on top. This compress can be left overnight.
Bee products contain a variety of biological substances that activate metabolism and improve blood supply to the joint. Thus, they can help restore cartilage surfaces, align them and reduce pain. Make compresses from a mixture of equal amounts of honey and flour or from propolis, leave overnight, covered with polyethylene. Use such applications daily for 14 days.
Non-surgical treatment cannot eliminate the bunion, but can alleviate its symptoms. For many patients, success can be achieved with the right footwear.
Non-surgical treatment options:
In addition to folk remedies, a variety of pain-relieving ointments can help with inflammation of a bunion on the foot. Here is a sample list of them:
Painful and unpleasant externally, valgus deformity of the foot - a bunion - occurs mainly in women. This problem is not only cosmetic. A lump on the big toe makes it difficult to wear nice shoes, distorts the gait, and often becomes inflamed, causing severe aching pain.
The causes of the appearance of bunions are associated with congenital weakness of the muscles and ligaments of the foot. The problem is aggravated by constant wearing of high-heeled tex shoes. The bones of the foot, being in an unnatural position for a long time, become deformed, the joints become inflamed, which is why knobby growths appear in the area of the joint of the big toe and little toe.
It is indeed mainly women who are susceptible to hallux valgus, since women's shoes are the main reason why bunions grow on the feet.
In addition, in women, the muscles and ligaments of the foot are more elastic than in men. Therefore, women's feet are more easily deformed. Heredity through the female line also influences. The bones in the feet grow regardless of age; such deformation is diagnosed in both adolescents and the elderly. Additionally, the causes include diseases of cartilage tissue, obesity, and flat feet.
Hallux valgus develops gradually, going through several stages:
In the early stages of hallux valgus, traditional medicine can be used. Make baths, iodine nets, apply ointments at the end of the working day to eliminate heaviness in the legs. However, these methods will only temporarily relieve inflammation and pain. More effective treatment methods will be orthopedics and surgery.
In the early stages, hallux valgus deformity can be easily corrected using orthopedic correctors. Daytime shoe insoles will reduce the load on your feet during the working day. And the night abduction bandage will fix the finger in its normal position and turn sleep into therapy. Orthopedic insoles are pre-adjusted to the shape of the foot. They are thin and fit any shoe. There are also interdigital silicone correctors that can be worn whenever it is convenient. They counteract the pressure of the shoe, shaping the natural position of the foot.
Additionally, to treat bunions, it is necessary to massage the feet, regularly undergo physiotherapy, and perform therapeutic exercises.
If the foot deformity has progressed to stage 3-4, surgical treatment cannot be avoided. There are many methods of surgical correction, but the most effective is osteotomy. During the operation, the metatarsal bone is shortened and the foot is returned to its normal shape. The operation is performed using a closed method. through barely noticeable punctures. The bone is cut and fixed using special screws. There is no need to apply plaster.
The rehabilitation period will take 2-3 months. It is mandatory to wear special post-operative shoes and subsequently switch to orthopedic ones. You need to move carefully, preferably with the help of crutches or a cane. To forget about the bunion forever, in the future you will have to wear only orthopedic shoes.
Since shoes become the cause of deformation, for prevention you need to choose only the right shoes. Ideal shoes should be fairly loose in cross-section, with a rounded toe, and made only from natural, soft material. The optimal heel height is no more than 4 cm. There is also advice for women who cannot live without high heels. Wear special insoles with transverse foot support.
Sports enthusiasts should take their choice of sports shoes more seriously, as many sports, such as running and jumping, can affect the formation of bunions. Such exercises place a strong load on the front arch of the foot.
In the summer, during the holiday season, be sure to go to the sea. There is no better prevention than walking barefoot on warm sand and small smooth pebbles. This unique massage, which perfectly strengthens the muscles and ligaments of the feet, will become an indispensable prevention of flat feet and hallux valgus.
Many people, especially after 40 years, develop a bunion on their big toe, and some simply do not take this fact into account, attributing the pathology to age. But this is not as harmless at first glance as it seems. It’s worth starting with the fact that such a defect can occur for a number of reasons, including not only foot deformity. For example, this also occurs due to the accumulation of fluid in the cartilaginous bursa. So you should start with a diagnosis from a traumatologist or surgeon. He, if necessary, will send you to an orthopedist. What treatment options do doctors offer?
And hallux valgus deformity may even be congenital. In this case, the foot itself simply does not initially develop correctly. And the growth does not necessarily occur on the big toe or at its base. It can even appear on the little finger, depending on where the pressure is highest, because the metatarsal bone also has increased pressure on the middle, ring finger.
There is no such thing as treating a bone. Doctors only offer surgical removal of the growth, but this is an extremely dangerous operation in terms of trauma. A minor growth on the thumb can be removed with ultrasound or laser. But such procedures are performed only in advanced clinics.
But if the bulge does not grow over a long period of time, even though the primary deformity has been diagnosed, then treatment, in principle, is not necessary. Doctors may suggest wearing a special compression bandage that prevents further “spreading” of the cartilage. If the growth does not interfere, does not become inflamed and does not hurt, then this is the best solution.
But if the bone grows and continues to increase in size, then it is unlikely to be possible without surgery. Moreover, if you do it earlier, the better. You should not delay visiting the clinic until the last moment, when a hallux valgus deformity will lead to the person simply not being able to walk normally. Such cases are known.
As for alternative medicine, it is contraindicated here. There are no recipes or tips that will help you get rid of the ossified process. This is physiologically impossible. This can be removed, just like an intervertebral hernia (it also involves extrusion of the cartilage connecting the discs), only with the help of surgery.
Even a “neglected” bone can be cured at home. Just remember once a day.
However, there is effective prevention of the appearance of a growth on the thumb. The best advice is to wear orthopedic shoes, as well as massage. If minor inflammation of the joints (bursitis) of the foot occurs and along with it swelling of the skin, then this is the very moment when prevention is required.
At an early stage of the disease, it can be put into remission. This prevents further curvature of the metatarsal bone. And on the toe the inflammation goes away completely. At the same time, it is recommended to undergo a course of treatment from an orthopedist, who will give advice on how to properly train the skeletal system of the legs to strengthen it. It is quite possible that physiotherapy and massage will be prescribed.
If the bones in the legs grow even without the influence of an external factor (that is, the recommendations of the orthopedist are followed), then this indicates the presence of pathology in the development of the skeletal system of the legs. The reasons for this can be very diverse:
In any case, if the shape of the thumb changes, you should definitely visit a doctor. Why start with a consultation with a traumatologist? At an early stage, getting rid of even the appearance of a tumor is not difficult. But first of all, find out why the bone on your big toe is growing.
It is worth noting that the growth can also occur on the index finger. In this case, it will interfere with walking in almost any shoe. The reason is still the same - compression of the metatarsal bone and its gradual deformation. In such situations, only surgical treatment methods are used or, if the doctor allows it, ultrasound removal is prescribed.
This is a virtually painless procedure, but up to 5-10 of these will be required, depending on the size of the growth. Moreover, during the treatment of the bone, you must also follow the recommendations of the orthopedist. The weakened cartilage must be strengthened, otherwise it will again begin to grow and be squeezed out from under the phalanx.
If hallux valgus is detected specifically on the index finger, then in most cases this indicates the presence of flat feet - the weight is not distributed correctly when walking. So it should be eliminated as well.
Seek help from a doctor as soon as possible and make an appointment with a traumatologist. The first thing he will do is establish why the bone is growing and what it is. If the cartilaginous bag is filled with liquid, then it simply drains. Most often, such a defect is found in the thumb, but it can also appear in the little finger, and even at the junction of the phalanx.
Modern methods of treating hallux valgus involve minimal trauma to the bone structure of the foot, but the risk that the nerve process will be damaged during treatment of the bone is very high. And the longer the bone on the big toe grows, the higher the likelihood that the same nerve node will appear in the phalanx area or its size will become critical. And then surgery on the big toe will be generally contraindicated.
In any case, the doctor studies the x-ray photo and only then determines which treatment options are acceptable in a given situation. The most effective is surgical removal, but this does not completely eliminate the valgus, it is simply cutting out the growth that has already arisen. And that, in turn, arises for some other reason. And it is not always possible to determine it.