Are you suffering from hallux vulgus? Avoid surgery

Surely you have heard of the term hallux valgus and the risk of surgery associated with this condition. But surgery is not always necessary. And if it is, that doesn’t mean everything will automatically be fine afterwards. Bunions, the common name for this health problem, is a condition that afflicts many people of all ages, especially adults aged 40 – 60. What exactly does hallux valgus mean and how can you prevent the worst?

Hallux valgus, a.k.a. bunions

The natural alignment of the big toe should be straight. As soon as the big toe starts “bending” towards the other toes, you should take notice. It starts to bend due to a weakening of the muscles and ligaments that hold it in place. The greatest stress falls on the adductor of the big toe, which pushes it towards the other toes at an ever-increasing angle. 

Due to the weakening of other muscles and ligaments, the big toe rotates in the metacarpal joint and starts to push the joint outward. You can already feel this when wearing shoes. The metatarsal joint is then irritated in the shoe in such a way that the tissue around the joint weakens, leading to a visible growth called a bunion. 

But this is not just an aesthetic defect.  With such a poorly aligned big toe, you push off incorrectly when walking or running, which leads to unnatural stress on the foot and leg. Subsequently, in addition to your feet, your knees or even your groin may ache. If the misalignment is too great and a growth forms on the metatarsal joint, you may not be able to avoid surgery.

What are the causes?

Bunions are most frequently caused by inappropriate footwear worn for a long time, especially women wearing heels. They may also be caused by any other unsuitable shoes that don’t quite fit right. Other contributing factors may be excessive stress on the feet, a poor gait, standing for long periods of time and similar activities.

How and when to start addressing the problem

You don’t need to inspect your feet every day to see if your big toe happens to be out of alignment. You’ll know when your big toe starts feeling sore. As soon as you notice suspiciously frequent pain or an increase in the intensity of pain and at the same time you notice your big toe is out of alignment, then it is high time to start doing something about it.

So how can you fix this problem? There are several things you can do right away to help, and ideally, you will use a combination of these. But they are not all suitable for every case. It also depends on the condition of your feet. Ideally, you should consult your doctor or physiotherapist about certain practices. 

If you suffer from bunions, then the first thing you need to do is rest, especially if you know that you have been overexerting your feet. For example, when watching TV in the evening, put your feet up so they don’t swell. Alternate between hot and cold showers for your feet and take leisurely strolls in comfortable shoes. You can also find out how to get rid of swollen feet in out article What to do about swollen feet. 4 tips on how to get rid of swollen feet.

Foot massages will also help as will a visit to a physical therapist, who will loosen up the joint, show you exercises or possibly apply Kinesio tape to the big toe. Are you interested in hallux valgus exercises that are guaranteed to help? One aid recommended by physical therapists that has proven very effective in treating bunions is Foot Alignment Socks. Foot Alignment Socks can also replace Kinesio taping, which has the drawback of often not sticking to the feet (due to sweating, showering, etc.). When worn, Foot Alignment Socks actively help maintain the proper alignment of the big toe and reduce rotation in the metatarsal joint. In early stages, they can help you completely prevent bunions without any surgical intervention. Or, after an operation, they will help you with rehabilitation and, most importantly, prevent any relapse.

If you are interested in Foot Alignment Socks, take a look at our e-shop.

Even after surgery it’s not over

If you are unfortunately scheduled for surgery, don’t expect the complications to disappear permanently. Surgery simply eliminates the consequences, but not the cause. That means that sooner or later, your bunions (hallux valgus) may return. And that’s why you need to pay attention to preventive care, including some of the recommended activities described above.  Naturally, we also recommend that you consult your doctor or physical therapist regarding all steps after surgery.