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The foot, often forgotten and forced into tight and uncomfortable footwear, can be affected by hallux valgus. It is a rather widespread pathology, especially among women, which develops progressively and can be accompanied by pain. In some cases, the most serious ones, it can also lead to functional disability and can compromise walking with consequences on the quality of life.
The foot is one anatomical structure placed at the end of the leg and made up of a set of elements (bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons) that allows us to move freely. The latter is a mechanical action that we perform almost unconsciously. However, in the presence of conditions – such as hallux valgus – it becomes more difficult to do it naturally.
For these reasons it is good to always take foot care and monitor any changes and deformations, also visible to the naked eye.
What is that
L’hallux valgus is a deformation which occurs when some of the bones in the front of the foot move, thus assuming a misplaced position. The terminology suggests the very nature of the pathology: from the Latin valgum, that is “deviated outwards with respect to the median line of the body”.
So what are the exercises and remedies to be taken in case of hallux valgus? We talked about it with the dr Andrea Genta, Physiotherapist.
Symptoms
«The symptomatology includes pain and inflammation in the metatarsophalangeal area of the first finger, which is the site of the deformity that is formed. In fact, hallux valgus develops when the first phalanx of the big toe slides internally towards the second finger. Consequently, the musculature changes: the extensor and flexor muscles of the big toe further accentuate the deformity with a different contraction compared to the physiological one ”, explains the expert.
We can also recognize the presence of hallux valgus just by looking at the foot. In this sense, the big toe will present a bony prominence and it will appear moved towards the second finger. Other signs attributable to hallux valgus are:
- rigidity;
- swelling;
- difficulty walking or wearing shoes.
Causes
“Hallux valgus can be caused by several factors including:
- muscle imbalances;
- unsuitable footwear;
- trauma;
- rheumatism;
- inheritance.
In some cases, hallux valgus can provoke walking disorders, therefore, for example, problems that affect the back and lumbar area.
Remedies
«Following a diagnosis of hallux valgus, the specialist will indicate i more suitable treatments to be adopted. It is good to remember that each case is independent, therefore the remedies that can be adopted depend on gravity of the pathology. Therefore in some cases, it will be necessary to resort to surgery, in others it will be possible to opt for conservative treatments, for example, supports that reduce the sliding of the big toe towards the second toe.
Behaviors aimed at improve symptoms. Such as those aimed at decreasing pain when inflammation is in an acute phase, up to a series of rehabilitation tips to be able to improve musculature. In this way it will be possible to enhance the movement opposite to that performed when there is this pathology, that is the sliding of the big toe towards the second toe », specifies the professional.
When surgery is recommended
«As mentioned, surgery is used when the situation is serious and the disease causes not only pain and inflammation, but also walking disability. It will be the specialist to carry out this type of evaluation ».
If you have persistent pain and find it hard to wear shoes and walk, that’s fine talk to a specialist which will make an accurate diagnosis. In this way it will be possible to act as soon as possible with the appropriate treatment.
What exercises can be done
«You can make a foot massage if this area is particularly rigid. Or, you can run them active mobilization exercises to the ankle and toes in a slow and controlled manner, to maintain mobility. In addition, the use of suitable footwear and the maintenance of the strength and stability of the ankle and lower limb, contribute to promoting the good health of the feet and the spine ”, concludes the expert.
In general, therefore, if you feel the symptoms described above and above all you have difficulty walking, the advice is to contact a professional to evaluate what to do.
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