Effective methods of treatment of hallux valgus in adults

Crooked legs are not uncommon in adulthood.The disease manifests itself in childhood, and due to various circumstances, many people do not treat it until the end.Let's see how to fix the situation below.

Causes and risk groups

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

The main events that cause curvature:

• problems related to proper development and formation of lower limbs during the prenatal period;
• wearing shoes that do not fit as the feet grow;
• dysplasia;
• hormonal changes in the body with metabolic disorders;
• previous diseases (paralysis, osteoporosis);
• obesity or sudden weight gain due to pregnancy and gestosis;
• damage to the bones of the foot and ankle.

Crooked feet can occur in any person, but more often they are under the age of 35, women who stay on their feet for a long time (teachers, models, salespeople, medical workers) or people who are involved in athletics.

Types and degrees

There are several types of foot deformities:

1. Static - expressed by problems with the spine.
2. Structure - according to the characteristics of the position of the talus.
3. Compensation - shortened Achilles tendon with partial transfer of functions to the ankle.
4. Paralytic - after previous diseases.
5. Spasmodic.
6. Hypercorrection - due to improper treatment of a previously identified pathology.
7. Rickets.
8. After trauma and rupture of ligament apparatus.

In adults, hallux valgus has several degrees of severity:

• first, deformation of the joint with subluxation of the foot;
• second, displacement of the tendon and curvature of the thumb;
• the third is a pathological process of the bone tissue in which the fingers deviate by 20 degrees;
• the fourth degree is the peak of changes, with the loss of foot functions and the spread of the disease to the ankle and above.The disease brings constant discomfort that cannot be corrected conservatively.

Symptoms

Manifestations of plano-valgus foot in adults are as follows:

1. swelling of the lower extremities;
2. severe pain (foot pain in the metatarsal bone region);
3. permanent corns, calluses;
4. back pain, posture problems;
5. fatigue and restlessness in the legs;
6. cramps, spasms;
7. change shoe size;
8. external deformation;
9. deterioration of gait (droop);
10. accompanying joint diseases, myositis.

How dangerous is pathology?

Adults with hallux valgus are at high risk of developing disabling conditions, as the deformed foot may lose its function.

It is not only the upright walking function that suffers from the problem: the pathology causes varicose veins, joint problems, curvature of the spine, migraines, the development of diabetic foot, transverse flat feet and the appearance of heel spurs.

Diagnostics

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

• History taking and external examination.
• Palpation of the deformation area.
• X-ray in three projections.
• If necessary, CT, MRI.
• Consultation with specialists when identifying co-morbidities.

Features of the treatment of hallux valgus in adults

The therapy of the disease should be comprehensive and should consist of several methods.The recovery process is long and requires strict adherence to all medical instructions.

Medications (systemic and local)

Drug treatment is designed to relieve foot pain and reduce inflammation.For these purposes, NSAIDs are prescribed in a dose selected taking into account additional diseases, because the drugs affect the work of the stomach.Medicines can be used topically in the form of creams and ointments, or as tablets or injections.

If the patient is worried about severe swelling, diuretics are prescribed for a short course (no more than three days).

During the course of treatment, it is important to take vitamins and minerals to strengthen bone tissue and ligaments.

Orthopedic devices

This group of products is used to fix and maintain the correct position of the foot.It is recommended to wear them regularly not only for therapeutic purposes, but also as a preventive measure.

1. Insoles help distribute the load on the foot during 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.Closes the leg tightly, prevents the disease from getting worse.
3. Valgus braces are designed for bunions when correction of this area is needed.

All orthopedic devices are selected individually after visiting an orthopedist.

Massage

Massage sessions can be performed 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 recommended to take a warm foot bath with anti-inflammatory herbs.Movements should be circular, without friction or heating, without additional trauma to the deformed area.

At home, after a hard day, it is recommended to massage yourself every day.

Exercise therapy

Exercise to strengthen the leg should begin after the signs of inflammation have subsided.Before starting physical exercises, you should warm up your muscles and massage your legs.

The main complex:

• Circular movements of the ankle, moving the legs towards and away from you.
• Lying on your back - imitating riding a bicycle.
• The movements of each finger are separate.
• Roll from toe to heel.
• Grabbing small objects from the ground with your feet.
• Drawing on a sheet of paper with a marker held on the toes.
• Rolling a bottle or fork while sitting.
• Walking on your toes, heels, and sides of your feet.
• Leg muscle tension and relaxation.The exercise should be done while sitting on the floor with straightened lower limbs.

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

Physiotherapy

A regular course of procedures can relieve pain, muscle spasms and restore microcirculation in the tissues, as well as stop the deformation process and strengthen the ligamentous apparatus of the planovalgus foot.

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. magnetic - heating of spasmodic tissues;
5. mud applications, ozokerite.

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

Folk treatment

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 butter with hot water and boil it 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 to the place where the growth is formed.
• Mix mustard and bodyga in equal proportions, add turpentine, oil and oil your feet before going to bed.
• Knead the propolis, warm it a little in your hands and apply it to the deformation zone.Leave it overnight, secure it with a bandage.

Surgical intervention

Surgical treatment is recommended in the absence of conservative methods, as well as in the case of 3-4 degrees of hallux valgus deformity.

There are two directions of surgical procedures - traditional and laser.

The first type of surgery is performed under general anesthesia with the application of a plaster splint for several weeks and requires a recovery period.

Laser treatment is carried out in several forms:

1. exostectomy - removal of bone growths by correcting the external shape of the leg;
2. cutting the phalanx of the thumb and fixing it in the correct position;
3. arthroplasty - cutting the deformity and, if necessary, replacing the joint, tendon transplantation.

Prevention

The following simple measures will help prevent the development of the disease:

1. By following the principles of proper nutrition.
2. Eliminating bad habits.
3. Weight control.
4. Moderate physical activity.
5. The organization of proper daily rest.
6. Foot self-massage and exercise therapy.
7. In the summer - walking barefoot on sand, small pebbles and dirt.
8. Use of orthopedic insoles and braces.
9. Comfortable shoes without high heels.
10. Observance of safety measures at home and on the street.
11. Regular medical examinations.

If you see the first signs of deformation, you should not delay solving the problem.If you start treatment in the early stages, the disease will disappear forever and the person will return to the normal rhythm of pain-free life.