Hallux valgus – the most common deformity of the foot
It is common for feet to develop a misalignment over the course of a lifetime. The most common misalignment of the feet is hallux valgus, also known as a bunion. Find out here whether you have it, what the causes of the misalignment are, what the different stages are and what those affected can do.
Interesting facts about the foot deformity Hallux valgus
Hallux valgus is a misalignment of the foot, also known as a bunion . The big toe leans towards the smaller toes, while its base joint pushes in the opposite direction and protrudes on the inside of the foot . This misalignment can vary in severity. It ranges from a small curve on the inside of the foot to a big toe that lies over the other toes. Hallux valgus always only affects the big toe and is not a misalignment of the little toe.
You will recognize even a slight form of hallux valgus, even if you may not feel it immediately: the big toe is visibly tilted outwards, and the skin on the inside of the foot may be red in the area of the metatarsophalangeal joint.
This is what sports physician & orthopaedic specialist Dr. Enneper says about our toe spreader hosiery
A hallux valgus does not appear overnight without being noticed. It is usually announced by pain in the ball of the foot. The first sign is often redness caused by rubbing against the shoe. The most common problem is that poor quality footwear is worn constantly and over a long period of time.
I think the toe separator socks are absolutely useful. They take the pressure off the ankles and can relieve pain.
Stages of misalignment and causes of foot problems caused by hallux valgus
In Germany alone, around 10 million people suffer from hallux valgus, most of them women. Weight, genetic makeup, age and shoes that are too tight or high can all play a role in the development of this foot deformity. The fact that more women than men are affected is because the former tend to have weak connective tissue. If this is the case, the ligaments in the foot do not provide ideal support and instability occurs, which often manifests itself as splayfoot . If increased body weight or shoes that are too tight or high put pressure on the foot, the big toe shifts and the feet become deformed - hallux valgus.
Hallux valgus always begins with a slight displacement of the toe and initial pain when moving the foot.
In the second stage, the constant pressure can lead to inflammation, the big toe shifts more and those affected usually have permanent pain when moving their foot.
If the big toe slides over or under the toe next to it , the third stage has been reached. Now the foot often hurts even when at rest.
In rarer cases, the fourth stage occurs, in which the big toe pushes further over or under the adjacent toes and can reach an angle of up to 90 degrees.
For an accurate diagnosis of hallux valgus based on this angle and other symptoms, you should always have your foot examined by a doctor.
The probability of developing hallux valgus increases with the development of a splay foot, which can develop in babies in the womb if the foot is in the wrong position or if the muscles are not properly developed.