Hallux Valgus disease is mostly seen in women and increasing after the age of 30-40. This protrusion on the big toe is a disease that manifests itself with pain in the foot and difficulty in wearing shoes.
In this disease, angulation of the first metacarpal bone of the thumb to the side of the second finger is observed. Tension and elongation are observed in the soft tissues of the first metacarpal bone and the finger joint.
With the development of bony prominence in the thumb and deformity in the joint, the load-bearing function of the thumb decreases.
What causes this disease?
Do high-heeled shoes have a role in the development of the disease?
There is a family history of Hallux Valgus disease, and most of our patients also have this disease in their family members. While narrow and high-heeled shoes play a role in the development of this deformity in some patients, the disease can be seen in a group of patients despite wearing comfortable shoes such as sports shoes. Hallux Valgus and other finger deformities can also be caused in flat feet where the foot has advanced inward pressing. We also see Hallux Valgus disease when there is looseness in the joints.
Is physical examination sufficient for the diagnosis of the disease?
Should additional tests such as radiography, MRI, ultrasonography be performed?
Although the physical examination is extremely important, radiological examination is also performed by taking the foot radiographs of our patients, the degree of the disease is determined and the type of operation to be applied to the patient is decided. Determining the type of operation is very important to prevent recurrence of the deformity afterwards.
Is the treatment of Hallux Valgus Disease surgical?
Is non-surgical treatment possible?
Treatment options are available depending on the severity of the disease.
The first treatment option is not surgery.
Non-surgical treatment options are;
• Wearing comfortable and soft shoes with wide front,
•Using a finger roller,
Using a hallux valgus night splint,
• Orthopedic insoles are recommended for patients with low foot arch.
When should the surgery be done?
Despite all non-surgical treatment methods, surgical treatment is applied for patients whose pain persists and foot pain affects daily life conditions or for aesthetic purposes.
What kind of surgical treatment is applied?
Surgical treatment differs according to the degree of the disease and the area of the bone deformity. The operations we frequently apply are those performed in the area of the comb bone close to the thumb. In some patients, operations are performed at the starting point of the comb bone.
Is there a lot of pain after the surgery?
Thanks to ankle block anesthesia just before the operation, our patients spend the first 1-2 days after the operation, which normally feels the most pain, painlessly and comfortably.
How long do I stay in the hospital?
If you do not have an additional disease, you stay in the hospital for a maximum of 1 day or some of our patients can go home on the same day.
How long can’t I walk?
Since there is no plaster cast after the surgery, you can walk by using special shoes or boots.
Does Hallux Valgus Disease Recur?
Recurrence in hallux valgus deformity is very rare, thanks to appropriate operation selection and advanced surgical techniques.
