Halluxvalgus, how to recognize it?

Halluxvalgus is a foot condition that consists of a deformity of the first toe that appears deviated toward the other toes, and as a result there is also a medial protrusion of the first metatarsal bone.

This condition, in addition to causing discomfort from a cosmetic point of view, can also be more or less painful.

One recognizes suffering from hallux valgus because of several symptoms such as pain and change in the anatomy of the foot, first.

There is then a protuberance or “onion” at the level of the first metatarsal head, and this when it rubs against the shoe, causes pain.

The problem with hallux valgus is that, if neglected or untreated, it worsens to the point of leading to changes in the actual alignment of the bones of the foot.

Other symptoms are:

• Swelling or redness around the big toe
• thickening of the skin at the base of the big toe that appears hard and calloused
• persistent or intermittent pain (even at rest)
• Limited ability to move the big toe and therefore difficulty walking

The causes are congenital, so there is either an alteration of the foot from birth or it is heredity.

Again, it may be acquired causes such as:

• Use of footwear models inappropriate to the physiology of the foot (shoes with narrow toes, too small or high heels)
• suffer from certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout
• injuries to the foot
• problems with weight, posture or muscle tone

Diagnosis of hallux valgus is made simply by observation by the specialist: deformity is evident on the side of the foot or at the base of the big toe.

With more in-depth analysis and evaluation, the distribution of loads on the foot and the degree of impairment of the big toe can be measured, while X-rays will also give an indication of the degree of deformity and assess the changes that have occurred in the foot and figure out what treatment to carry out (whether non-surgical and thus “conservative” or surgical).