Hallux Valgus Surgery

What is Hallux Valgus and why does it occur?

Hallux valgus is a foot deformity that develops under the influence of external factors combined with a genetic predisposition. People with a family history of this disorder have a higher risk, and it can also occur in subsequent generations due to genetic predisposition. Individuals with a genetic predisposition are recommended to wear soft, wide-toed shoes that do not compress their feet to prevent the outward tendency of the big toe.

Women are a group with a higher risk of developing hallux valgus compared to men. The main reason for this is that women prefer narrow, pointed and high-heeled shoes due to fashion and aesthetic concerns. These types of shoes can push the big toe outward, which can lead to the development of hallux valgus deformity over time. Spending hours wearing this type of shoes, especially for long periods of time, increases the risk of discomfort. Therefore, choosing appropriate and comfortable shoes is of great importance to protect foot health.

What is Hallux Valgus Splint?

Hallux valgus is a foot disorder that occurs as a result of the big toe leaning outward and causes deformation between the first toe and the first metatarsal bone. It usually develops as a result of choosing wrong and tight shoes. This can cause pressure and friction in the involved area, leading to pain and a bulge that appears over time.

A hallux valgus splint is a special device that aims to slow or stop the progression of this condition. The splint prevents the deformity from worsening by keeping the thumb in the correct position. When used regularly, it can help reduce the pain and discomfort caused by hallux valgus. However, for the splint to be effective, it must be used correctly and for the recommended period.

What are the typical symptoms of Hallux Valgus?

The first symptom of hallux valgus is usually pain in the area known as the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. This is the joint area between the big toe and the metatarsal. Redness, tenderness and swelling occur in this area due to friction. These symptoms become more pronounced, especially when wearing tight or tight shoes.

If hallux valgus is left untreated, the deformity of the thumb will worsen. The thumb may bend further outward and move under the adjacent second finger. Over time, this movement can cause the second toe to curve upward, triggering a condition known as hammer toe deformity. At this advanced stage, surgical intervention may be required on both the thumb and second finger to correct the deformity. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are critical in preventing more complex complications.

Non-Surgical Treatment Methods of Hallux Valgus

Non-invasive treatment of hallux valgus deformity does not aim to completely correct the deformity. Instead, it aims to stop the progression of the disease, relieve pain and improve quality of life. Here are some of these treatment methods:

Hallux Valgus Splints: These splints are used to maintain the natural position of the thumb and prevent the deformity from progressing. They are usually worn while sleeping or resting. The splint prevents the deformity from progressing by applying an inward force to the thumb.

Choosing the Right Shoes: Shoes that are expected to be good for hallux valgus should be wide-toed, made of soft leather and have low heels. It is recommended to limit the use of narrow and high-heeled shoes.

Interfinger Supports: These supports, used during daytime, are placed between the first and second fingers. These supports, made of silicone material, help the thumb return to its natural position and partially prevent the progression of the deformity.

Cold Application: For people with hallux valgus, it is helpful to apply a cold compress to the affected area to relieve pain and inflammation. After a long and challenging day on your feet, applying ice for 15-20 minutes can help reduce pain and swelling.

Non-surgical treatment methods can be very effective in the early stages of hallux valgus. However, in advanced cases, surgical intervention may become inevitable. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent more complex treatment methods.

Hallux Valgus Surgery

The decision for hallux valgus surgery is determined by the patient’s lifestyle, severity of the disease and personal preferences. For example, if an individual at a young age must frequently wear high-heeled and pointed-toe shoes due to professional requirements, surgical intervention may be a suitable option. In addition, the individual’s aesthetic concerns or pain complaints about the foot deformity may also be a reason for surgery.

To measure the severity of hallux valgus, the MTP joint angle is usually examined. In a healthy individual, this angle is ideally expected to be around 11 degrees. If this angle is above 11 degrees, it is considered to have a hallux valgus deformity. Especially for deformities of 20 degrees and above, surgical intervention may be recommended even at young ages. As the angle increases, the thumb can put more pressure on the second finger, causing its deformity as well.

If the patient has a high degree of deformity at a young age, but this does not bother him, surgery can be performed at a time when the thumb starts to damage the second finger. When deciding on surgical intervention, an evaluation is made based on whether the hallux valgus angle reaches 30 degrees, whether the second finger is affected, the patient’s aesthetic concerns, and the pain and discomfort he feels in his daily life. These criteria help determine the timing and necessity of surgical intervention.

Process After Hallux Valgus Surgery

Hallux valgus surgeries are performed with different techniques depending on the severity of the deformity and the individual needs of the patient. The main goal of these surgeries is to regain the ideal angle between the bones and restore the natural structure of the foot.

After surgical intervention, patients are generally recommended to use special shoes to prevent the load on the metatarsal bone for 3 weeks. During this period, patients staying at home and resting speeds up the recovery process. At the end of three weeks, you can switch to more comfortable and wider shoes. It usually takes 1.5 to 2 months for the foot to fully return to normal shoes and regain its former functionality.

The patient’s occupation and daily activities are the determining factor in how the recovery process will proceed. For example; Individuals in occupational groups that are constantly on the move and spend time standing may have to wait a little longer to return to their normal routine after surgery. However, people who work in an office environment and spend time at a desk can return to work starting from the 3rd or 4th week after surgery. During this process, it is critical for the patient to comply with his doctor’s recommendations and follow-up appointments for a healthy recovery process.