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Commonly known as bunion, hallux valgus is a deformity of the foot in which the big toe of deviates outward towards the second toe. Hallux valgus is a painful condition and disturbs aesthetic outlook of the foot. Painful and uncomfortable, it also decreases quality of life. The initial cause of hallux valgus is wearing pointed and high-heeled shoes. This is also the reason why hallux valgus is more common in women. However, the deformity can be observed in patients who have never worn pointed and high-heeled shoes in their lives and it can strike men as well. Genetic predisposition, too, is among possible causes of hallux valgus.
Treatment of Hallux Valgus
Definitive treatment of hallux valgus is possible through surgery. A properly performed operation eliminates risk of recurrence. Nevertheless, it is possible to alleviate pain and stop progression by taking some simple precautions before surgery is considered. Choosing right shoes is very important in this respect. Non-orthopaedic, extremely narrow-tipped, and high-heeled shoes should be avoided as much as posisble. While purchasing shoes, one should prioritize comfort over visuality.
There are specially designed splints for decreasing pain caused by hallux valgus. These special attachments are called hallux valgus splints or night splints and can be used day and night. However, these splints have no positive effect on the deformity as they are only designed to decrease pain. Rumours and statements that claim that hallux valgus splints correct the protrusion of the big toe are simply not true.