Hallux Valgus or Foot Bunion
Hallux valgus, more commonly known as “bunion of the foot”, is a deviation of the big toe towards the second toe which causes a deformation of the front of the foot. This deformity manifests itself as a bump that sometimes prevents the wearing of certain shoes and can be very painful. This is the most common morphological anomaly of the forefoot, affecting mainly women.
At the Laboratoire Orthopédique, our orthopedists often treat patients affected by hallux valgus. Our experience in this field allows us to offer each patient a solution adapted to their needs.
Hallux valgus signs and symptoms
Hallux valgus is easy to recognize because it is visible to the naked eye.
Hallux valgus is characterized by an outward deviation of the base of the big toe and consequently, a movement of the big toe towards the second toe. This leads to a bony deformity at the front of the foot in the form of a bump (bunion) on the first metatarsal.
This deformity of the foot is aggravated by walking, because it is the big toe that propels the body forward. The bunion will cause the big toe to lose its support role, which will be compensated by the other toes, and this is what causes the pain. If this pathology is not treated, a patient may be at risk of developing hallux rigidus (osteoarthritis of the big toe).
Other warning signs and symptoms of bunion foot are:
Other warning signs and symptoms of bunion foot are:
⦁ Pain in the toes
⦁ Difficulty putting on or wearing certain shoes
⦁ Appearance of redness and inflammation
⦁ Development of metatarsal bursitis, corns, calluses or arthritis
Hallux valgus: causes and people at risk
The development of hallux valgus can be caused by several factors. Foot bunion can result from the following causes:
⦁ Hereditary cause and predisposition to foot bunion
⦁ Wearing shoes that are too narrow, with pointed toes or heels
⦁ Foot morphology: Egyptian foot, flat foot and pronator foot are more likely to develop a bunion
⦁ Poliomyelitis
⦁ Rheumatologic diseases (e.g., polyarthritis)
Women are at greater risk of developing hallux valgus because they wear narrow shoes or heels more often. In addition, menopause could be a factor that aggravates bunion.
Do you feel any pain ?
If you have hallux valgus, please make an appointment at Laboratoire orthopédique. Our team of enthusiasts will be happy to help you.
Hallux valgus treatment
Generally speaking, medical treatments and the wearing of foot orthotics will not make the bunion disappear. However, they will relieve the pain of hallux valgus and prevent its progression.
In more serious cases where the pain cannot be relieved by orthopedic treatments, surgery may be considered.
At the Laboratoire Orthopédique, we offer several devices to keep the big toe straight and avoid aggravation, such as wearing orthopedic shoes adapted to the new shape of the foot.
Do you feel any pain ?
If you have hallux valgus, please make an appointment at Laboratoire orthopédique. Our team of enthusiasts will be happy to help you.