Halux and physiotherapy help

Hallux valgus (Latin: hallux valgus) is a very common deformity in the foot area, especially amongst females. It is commonly perceived as bone deformity, but it is mainly due to the quality of connective tissue and disturbed muscle balance. What is the reason for the hallux valgus formation and how to fight it – you will learn this by reading the rest of the post.

Hallux Valgus – CAUSES

1. lowering of the foot arch – medial longitudinal and transverse and congenital muscular-ligamentous flaccidity,
2. weak static foot system (genetic predisposition or poorly selected footwear dependent on us worsens the case),
3. gender, overweight, sedentary or standing lifestyle,
4. contracture of the adductor toe or excessive mobility of the first metatarsal bones, disorder of the kinematic chain function of the lower limb (disbalance between entire muscle groups),
5. rheumatic and systemic diseases (psoriatic arthritis, RA, gout).

Through such a wide range of possible causes, you can focus on the course of thinking whether the problem of hallux valgus does not begin, for example, in disorders of pelvic floor muscle statics or the placement of the femoral head in protraction. Perhaps based on this belief and working towards correcting the resulting disorders, we will prevent further distortion.

DEGREE OF DEFORMATION

Of course, all selected treatment methods are particularly individualised to the degree of deformation and quality of life of the patient.

Featured grades:

• gentle
• moderate
• advanced
• heavy

NON-OPERATIVE TREATMENT – PHYSIOTHERAPY

The metatarsophalangeal joint develops inflammation, which, being chronic, causes degenerative changes within the foot joints. Physiotherapy focuses on reducing pain and affecting the maintenance of foot function as long as possible.

Some physiotherapeutic methods in the fight against hallux valgus:

• manual therapy (action directed at the extensor muscles and toe and toe adders, peroneal, sarcoma and gastrocnemius calves; joint traction and mobilisation) the goal is greater tissue extensibility and joint mobility,
• kinesiotaping (elastic patches that correct the toe position by correct tension),
• kinesitherapy (selected exercises for strengthening muscles, especially muscles building weakened foot arch),
• orthopedic equipment (individually selected insoles and orthopedic orthoses, the aim may be to relieve painful places and prevent the formation of corns or correct the toe position),
• patient’s education (walking re-education, weight loading).

WAY TO AVOID OR STOP DEFINING DEFORMATION

1. wear shoes that are comfortable and with fairly wide toes (fingers cannot be squeezed)
2. if you wear high heels and, in particular, high heels – try to minimise the time spent in them
3. movement, movement and movement again
4. performing exercises strictly focused on the feet

Sample exercises:

1. lifting a pencil with one’s toes
2. dorsiflexion of the big toe against resistance
3. squat with a conscious load on the foot on its 3 support points, maintaining position for about 20 seconds
4. spreading the toes

FINGERS CROSSED!