Halus-valgus

Halus valgus or valgus deformity of the big toe is a pathological condition in which the thumb shifts to the side and looks like a large “bulging” growth. It is a condition that can significantly restrict movement and cause pain when walking.

What are the causes of hallus valgus?

Halus valgus can occur for a number of reasons, such as:

- genetic predisposition;

- adverse factors of shoes;

- arthritis;

- rheumatic diseases.

Women are more likely to face this problem, which is associated with the choice of not quite comfortable shoes and the features of the anatomy of the feet.

What are the symptoms of hallus valgus?

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The key symptoms of deformity of the thumb of the foot are as follows:

1. Pain and swelling.The appearance of pain, swelling and redness at the base of the big toe.
2. Discomfort when wearing shoes. Feeling pain in this place, especially during long walking.
3. The presence of a “cone” or “bone”.This is popularly called the detection of bone-cartilaginous exophytes in the area of the thumb of the foot.
4. Increase in the transverse size of the foot.Gradual increase in the width of the front of the foot.
5. Deviation of the big toe outwards. This leads to an asymmetrical shape of the foot.

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How is the diagnosis done?

Due to the obvious external manifestations of pathology, the primary diagnosis is not complicated, but requires additional clarification to determine the degree of deformation, differences from other orthopedic diseases. And also to identify concomitant pathological processes.

For this, various research methods are used:

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1. Radiography. It is performed in two projections and provides an opportunity to visually assess the degree of deformation and the condition of bone and cartilage tissues.

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2. Multispiral computed tomography (MSCT). A high-tech research method that provides a visual idea of the smallest changes in the structure and structure of tissues.

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3. Ultrasound of the foot. Ultrasound examination of the bone, cartilage and soft tissues of the foot. Allows you to identify pathological changes for accurate diagnosis.

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These hardware studies are prescribed by the orthopedist depending on the individual characteristics and the clinical picture of the disease. Such an integrated approach allows you to accurately and effectively identify pathologies and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

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How is the treatment going?

For most patients, conservative treatment is sufficient to relieve symptoms. It includes:

• use of orthopedic insoles;
• wearing wide shoes with a low rise and a wide soft nose, which reduces pressure on the ankle;
• use of night orthoses;
• additional modification of shoes — stretching in the area of the ankle (is the most important factor in achieving pain relief in patients with deformity).

If conservative treatment does not remove the symptoms or the deformity progresses, then surgical correction should be considered. Although the visual appearance of the “bone” is not satisfactory - a possible indication before surgery, the main factor is the increase in clinical symptoms, namely pain and discomfort.

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How does halus-valgus surgery occur?

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The operation is recommended if:

1. Previous attempts at conservative treatment had no effect.
2. Pain and discomfort when walking significantly affect the quality of life.
3. Halus-valgus is accompanied by a pronounced oblique deformation of the thumb.
4. There is a risk of further progression of deformation and complications.

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The essence of the operation is to correct the anterior part of the foot by osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone, that is, removing its part and fixing it in a new corrected position.

In the postoperative period, immobilization of the foot with orthoses is prescribed until the osteotomy bone grows completely.

Advantages of treatment of deformity of the anterior foot in the center of progressive surgery, orthopedics and rehabilitation Mashtaler ortho&trauma:

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• provision of professional consulting and surgical assistance by the most modern methods and leading doctors;
• 24-hour stay in comfortable wards under the supervision of medical professionals;
• undergoing rehabilitation with our specialists, with state-of-the-art equipment, professionals of rehabilitation medicine and physical therapy;
• trust of patients, which is confirmed by their real reviews;
• convenient location of the clinic in 5 minutes from the center of Lviv.

You can confidently entrust the treatment of deformity of the anterior foot to the Mashtaler ortho&trauma clinic.

Mashtaler Ortho&Trauma — we will help restore a full life without pain with advanced treatments!

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