Hallux valgus

Hallux Valgus is a toe condition where the first metatarsal bone on the big toe has a fixed lateral deviation. Hallux Valgus can lead to side effects such as bursitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes), synovitis and local pain on the outside of the toe that often swells and becomes very pressure sore. This misalignment of the big toe can also provide a basis for hammer toe - which is a condition in which the second, third, fourth or fifth toe gets a rigid, curved shape. The condition is called bunion in English and is often mistakenly called for hammer toe in Norwegian. A differential diagnosis for hallux valgus symptoms is gout. A hallux valgus support can have a good effect against this disorder and prevent deterioration.

TIP: Many people with hallux valgus like to use toe pullers og specially adapted compression socks (the link opens in a new window) to increase circulation and limit the load on the affected area.

- Overpronation can be a cause of hallux valgus

Among the causes of hallux valgus we find significant overpronation (when the foot position falls inwards), trauma and walking with tight, ill-fitting shoes for a number of years. The limited space in ill-fitting shoes can lead to a gradual error load that can potentially lead to the diagnosis of hallux valgus. In case of overpronation, as will be seen from the illustration below, there will be increased weight through the first metatarsal bone and the big toe. This error load can over time (many years) provide a basis for hallux valgus. It is therefore recommended that you take overpronation seriously to prevent this condition later in life (them: How to strengthen the foot blade!)

- Bad shoes can aggravate the condition

Shoes that do not take into account that the person has this condition can help to aggravate the condition. Particularly worn shoe soles, as these will wear so that the pronation is amplified, can increase the pressure against the big toe / first metatarsal.

Treatment of hallux valgus

The most important measure in the treatment of hallux valgus is adapted shoes that do not tighten or put any special pressure on the big toe - so that further deterioration of the toe joints is prevented. Then one should get one hallux valgus support and then custom insoles to ensure the best possible fit and shock absorption, as well as prevent too much overpronation. Sports taping or daily use of kinesio tape over affected toe joints can also work positively, both functionally and symptomatically. Toe spreaders is also a popular self-measure - the latter ensures a good distance between the affected toe joints and also puts a positive, light stretch towards the joints. It is also recommended to do daily exercises to strengthen the arch of the foot.

One must also keep in mind that it is the sequelae of hallux valgus that are the most painful. Bursitis and synovitis can both cause reddish swelling on the outside of the big toe which is very pressure sore. Bursitis and synovitis can both be potential conditions that respond well to cortisone injection - an injection that unfortunately also causes some negative side effects. It is also advisable to use icing on such inflammatory conditions.

RELATED PRODUCT / SELF-HELP: - Hallux Valgus Support

Plagued with hallux valgus (crooked big toe) and / or bone growth (bunion) on the big toe? Then this can be part of the solution to your problem!

- Operation of hallux valgus

If the problem is of such a serious nature that the pain and dysfunction goes well beyond the daily routine, then surgery may be necessary to correct the affected major. This is considered a last resort, as all surgeries and forms of surgery have some form of associated risk. Such surgeries are considered quite safe, but anesthesia and other factors can never be entirely certain how to respond. Studies emphasize that patients must begin with hallux valgus support og custom soles either before or just after such surgery to prevent the problem from happening again and again.

Also read: - Pain in the foot? Read more about what you can do here!

Also read: - What is gout? And how do I know if I'm affected by it?

What can I do even for muscle and joint pain?

1. General exercise, specific exercise, stretching and activity are recommended, but stay within the pain limit. Two walks a day of 20-40 minutes make good for the whole body and sore muscles.

2. Trigger point / massage balls we strongly recommend - they come in different sizes so you can hit well even on all parts of the body. There is no better self help than this! We recommend the following (click the image below) - which is a complete set of 5 trigger point / massage balls in different sizes:

3. Training: Specific training with training tricks of various opponents (such as this complete set of 6 knits of different resistance) can help you train strength and function. Knit training often involves more specific training, which in turn can lead to more effective injury prevention and pain reduction.

4. Pain Relief - Cooling: Biofreeze is a natural product that can relieve pain by cooling the area gently. Cooling is especially recommended when the pain is very severe. When they have calmed down then heat treatment is recommended - it is therefore advisable to have both cooling and heating available.

5. Pain Relief - Heating: Warming up tight muscles can increase blood circulation and reduce pain. We recommend the following reusable hot / cold gasket (click here to read more about it) - which can be used both for cooling (can be frozen) and for heating (can be heated in the microwave).

Recommended products for pain relief for muscle and joint pain

Biofreeze (Cold / cryotherapy)

Sources: Nicholas Wülker, Prof. Dr. med.^*,1 and Falk Mittag, MD.¹ The Treatment of Hallux Valgus. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2012 Dec; 109 (49): 857–868.