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 bone 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 Hallux valgus refers to the shifting of the bones themselves. A bunion is an inflammation of the bursa at the bursa sack at the 1st 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
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotics exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotics exercising support
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- Straight last
- Shoes with stretchable uppers or sides if necessary
- Smart footwear, such as heel to toe rockers, negative heel footwear or shoes with titanium springs
- Wear pumps and high heels only as long as absolutely necessary
- Go barefoot on a minimal basis only
Other:
- Spot stretching of shoes at affected site
- If toes also overlapping, toe cushioning and straightening devices, such as toe separators, toe straighteners, toe caps, toe crests, 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 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: R. Cailliet, MD, Foot and Ankle Pain Text: R. Cailliet, MD, Foot and Ankle Pain, B. Meanwell, CPed