Hallux Valgus is a deformity of the first toe (hallux) and is the most common deformity of the forefoot. The lump that is noticed on the inner edge is popularly known as a bunion, and it is sometimes very painful.
Why does Hallux Valgus appear?
Its causes are multifactorial: genetic factors, anatomical alterations of the forefoot (flat foot, varus metatarsus…), muscular imbalances, use of inadequate footwear (narrow toe cap and high heel…). However, narrow toe shoes are the most determinant when there is an anatomical predisposition in the foot.
Hallux Valgus can be mild, moderate or severe. Patients generally consult when pain appears and/or when they find it difficult to put on their shoes. The specialist in traumatology must assess each case individually by means of a good physical examination and X-rays, in order to apply the most appropriate surgical techniques in each case.
How is Hallux Valgus treated?
Surgery can be performed percutaneously, through mini-incisions or open surgery with a local incision at the level of the area to be treated.
Percutaneous surgery is usually reserved for mild cases of Hallux Valgus. A very fine scalpel and small tools are used, so that, through a few incisions of approximately 5 mm, the deformity is eliminated. This operation is performed on an outpatient basis, the patient is discharged the same day of the intervention, being able to support the foot -which will be bandaged-, being preferable to use an orthopedic shoe in the postoperative period. It is not a painful procedure and patients only take painkillers during the first few days. Even so, it is advisable to take a relative rest in the first two weeks to avoid inflammation. The footwear and normal life is usually recovered from the month after the intervention.
When the deformity is greater, Open Surgery is chosen, where osteotomies (cuts in the bone) are made and fixed with screws to ensure a permanent correction. This surgery is also performed under local anesthesia and on an outpatient basis. The postoperative period is similar to that of percutaneous surgery and is not much more painful, although more attention must be paid to the surgical wound.
Other possible concomitant problems in the forefoot, such as pain in the metatarsal support (metatarsalgia) and deformities of the lesser toes, should also be assessed. Thus, it will be possible to act on them in the same surgical act, without increasing the surgical risks or the postoperative period.
What happens if Hallux Valgus is left untreated?
Normally, when a Hallux Valgus begins to hurt and deform footwear, surgical correction is recommended. If surgery is not performed in the early stages, the deformity will continue to grow more and more and with it the problems in the rest of the toes, forefoot and even ankle, so it will be increasingly difficult to correct the deformity and ensure the success of the surgery.