Hallux Valgus
Hallux valgus is a common foot disorder of several etiologies, which can lead to significant foot pain and deformity. Little has been published in the radiographic literature about the pre- and postoperative radiographic findings of this very common and very treatable cause of foot pain. The term hallux valgus denotes deviation of the great toe toward the fibular border of the foot. The cause of hallux valgus is usually ill-fitting footwear, but vulnerability to this disorder seems to run in families. Because women's fashions often dictate shoes that fit poorly, women are more prone to developing these deformities. Hallux valgus is not synonymous with bunion, which is derived from the same root as "bun" or "bunch", and means an area of swelling. In connection with the foot, bunion usually refers to the prominent medial portion of the first metatarsal head and especially to the bursa or a bursa plus osteophyte over it, when this exists. A bursa and osteophyte may or may not accompany hallux valgus. The etiology of hallux valgus is somewhat controversial. Some cases are congenital, perhaps secondary to a sloping surface of the first tarsometatarsal joint. When this joint is hypermobile, with or without the normal angle, it is often referred to as an "atavistic" tarsometatarsal joint. Other cases are almost certainly due to environmental factors, such as poorly fitting footwear. The fashionable shoes worn by many women are more constraining than the shoes worn by men and are felt by many authors to be the etiologic factor in most cases of hallux valgus.This would help to females to males seen with this disorder. Bunions are commonly hereditary but may also be caused or aggravated by shoe wear.
The condition is far more common in women than in men and rarely occurs in individuals who do not wear shoes. Once a bunion is present the deformity of hallux valgus worsens slowly over time. Hallux valgus is often associated with abnormalities in two planes. In such cases, the first metatarsal head is not only deviated medially, but also dorsally. As the first metatarsal splays dorsally, greater stress is placed on the central metatarsals, especially the second, leading to hyperostosis and occasionally stress fractures. Some patients with metatarsus primus varus demonstrate not only medial angulation of the first metatarsal head, but also dorsal angulation as well.
Causes of Hallux Valgus
Common causes of Hallux Valgus
- Shoe over the bony prominence.
- Pain in the joint.
- Bunions.
- Hallux valgus.
- Abnormal pressure.
- Pronated feet.
Symptoms of Hallux Valgus
Common symptoms of Hallux Valgus
- Redness.
- Swelling.
- Pain.
- Ingrown nail.
- Hammer toe.
Treatment of Hallux Valgus
Common Treatment of Hallux Valgus
- There are a lot of different operations for bunions, depending on the severity of the deformity, the shape of your foot and whether arthritis has developed in the big toe joint. An orthopaedic surgeon can advise you on the best operation for your foot.
- Physical therapy can be used to help with the symptoms and improve the range of motion (this is particularly helpful if the pain is coming from inside the joint, rather than from shoe pressure). Manipulation of the joint can be used to help with this is correct the alignment of the joint.
- Exercises can be important in maintaining the mobility of the joint in those with bunions
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