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HALLUX VALGUS

Hallux valgus is movement of the two phalanges (bones) of the big toe in a lateral (outward) direction.  At the same time, the first metatarsal joint turns medially (inward) toward the other foot, shifting the sesamoid bones in the ball of the foot. 

A bunion very often accompanies a hallux valgus; the difference is that hallux valgus refers to the shifting of the bones themselves.  A bunion is an inflammation of the bursa at the bursa sack at the 1^st MTP joint (big toe). 

Other names or similar foot conditions:

• Sometimes confused with a bunion but also many times accompanied by a bunion
• Family bump

Symptoms:

• Pain in affected joints
• Can also be no symptoms at all in the affected joints

Signs to look for:

• Deformity of affected areas
• Bunion
• Overlapping toes
• Shoes worn in MTP joint
• Pronating foot

Possible Causes:

• Heredity
• Pronating foot
• First metatarsal shorter than optimum or more convex than normal
• Obliquity of the first cuneiform bone (in the middle of the foot)
• Wearing high heel shoes with pointed toes too frequently when predisposition is present

Goals:

• Take pressure off the joint
• Allow adequate room in shoes
• Eliminate callusing
• Prevent further progression of the deformity

Solutions:

Arch Supports:

• Bio-Orthotics Winstep or Sundance exercising support with metatarsal lift

• Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support, such as the Bio-Orthotics Journey or Silhouette, for use when shoes cannot accommodate the Winstep or Sundance exercising support

• Extra depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and steel shank

• Shoes with stretchable uppers

• MBT physiological footwear with straight last

• Wear pumps and high heels only as long as absolutely necessary

• Go barefoot on a minimal basis only

• Wear shoes with titanium springs for exercising

Other: 

• Spot stretching of shoes at affected site

• If toes also overlapping, toe cushioning and straightening devices, such as toe separators, toe straighteners, toe gel caps, etc.

• Regular callus filing with pumice device (leaving cutting of calluses to a physician only)

Activities:

Rotate weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or jogging, with non-weight bearing exercising, such as swimming or bicycling

This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care.  The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below.  Copyright 2005 Carole Romig

Sources   Image:  R. Cailliet, MD, Foot and Ankle Pain    Text: R. Cailliet, MD, Foot and Ankle Pain, B. Meanwell, CPed