How To Prevent Hallux Valgus

We recommend patients with severe pain or dysfunction and those whose symptoms do not improve under a conservative treatment regimen be referred for surgical repair (Grade 1B). Approximately 150 surgical procedures for the correction of HV deformity have been described. Few prospective, randomized trials evaluating these procedures have been performed. Both orthopedic and podiatric specialist foot surgeons, as well as non-specialists, perform operations to repair HV deformity. Patients should be referred to a foot surgery specialist with experience repairing HV deformity. (See "Surgery" above). Managing patient expectations about surgery is important. Most patients will remain unable to fit into narrower shoes. (See "Patient satisfaction" above). Bunions are often described as a bump on the side of your big toe joint. The bony prominence reflects the movement of your big toe toward your second toe and the uncovering of your metatarsal bone. This malalignment of the big toe joint produces the bunion’s “bump” which is enhanced by enlargement of the local bone. Padding/Spacers/Shields/Splints Over the counter bunion pads can be placed on the bump to minimize pain to the bump from pressure. Your podiatrist can dispense spacers/shields or splints to supply a degree of symptomatic relief. Oct 27, 2011 By Kathryn Meininger Photo Caption Hallux varus can be caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images Wearing tight shoes does not always cause bunions, but it certainly contributes to foot pain. Bunions are much more common in women. Our society encourages women to wear tight pointed toe dress shoes, heels, and pumps (cowboy boots receive honorable mention). However, I have seen patients as young as 10 years old with bunions. I refuse to believe that a 10 year old has been wearing the wrong shoes. Bunions are not inherited, but do tend to run in families. What is usually inherited is a poor or faulty foot type. Bunions may be associated with flat feet, pronated feet, neuromuscular problems, or even rheumatoid arthritis leading to foot pain. Are you suffering from bunion pain and missing out on your favorite activities? Have you missed memory making opportunities, because your feet hurt so badly you have to find a place to sit down? This is common place among people with this type of foot deformity, but help is readily available. What’s stopping you from finding relief? The pain and discomfort from an inflamed bursa next to the metatarsophalangeal joint may be relieved by oral anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen. Before taking anti-inflammatories, check with your doctor first if you are taking any other prescription medication. And always take them as directed. Ice packs provide relief as well. The symptoms of hallux usually center on the bunion. The bunion is painful. The severe hallux valgus deformity is also distressing to many and becomes a cosmetic problem. Finding appropriate shoe wear can become difficult, especially for women who desire to be fashionable but have difficulty tolerating fashionable shoe wear. Finally, increasing deformity begins to displace the second toe upward, and may create a situation where the second toe is constantly rubbing on the shoe. Diagnosis The 3pp Bunion-Aider is lined in a non-slip, breathable foam that helps hold the splint in place and provides comfortable cushioning. The 3pp Bunion-Aider can easily be adjusted to tolerance.