What is Hallux Valgus?

Hallux valgus is a misalignment of the big toe and involves the big toe pointing towards the other toes. Sometimes a lump forms on the side of the foot due to the toe joint being pushed out. This can make it difficult to buy shoes that don't squeeze the foot uncomfortably. Women are most commonly affected by Hallux valgus. It usually starts in middle age, but it can also occur in adolescence.

Why do you get hallux valgus?

Hallux valgus is caused by a combination of factors, with shoe selection and heredity being important risk factors. Should you get crooked big toes during adolescence, it is usually due to heredity. It usually starts with the arch of the foot between the big toe and the little toe becoming flat, which results in the part at the front of the foot becoming wider. As the forefoot flattens, the big toe sometimes angles out to the other toes. Hallux valgus can cause the toe joint to be pushed out of the foot. It looks like a lump is sticking out where the ankle touches the shoe. The lump is formed because there is a small bursa under the skin. A tight shoe can put pressure on the bursa, causing it to swell easily. The skin often becomes red and irritated, which can be painful.

Symptoms

Hallux valgus starts with a flattening of the arch between the big toe and the little toe. The big toe is angled and pulled towards the other toes of the foot. The front of the foot becomes slightly wider. Wearing tight shoes can result in pain due to the foot being squeezed. It can also cause pressure and chafing on the toe next to the big toe, which can lead to ulceration of the second toe.

Prevent and reduce hallux valgus

First and foremost, wear spacious shoes and avoid tight shoes such as high heels. You may also want to supplement with shoe inserts that aim to lift the arch between the big toe and the little toe.
To straighten your toes, you can use silicone pads that act as soft toe separators to correct your toes and prevent them from growing crooked. By separating the big toe from the other toes, this insert can reduce the pain of hallux valgus.

Correction support that stabilizes the metatarsal joints of your big toe so that they are in the correct position. With protection over the hallux valgus bunion and silicone toe spreaders between the big toe and other toes, effective relief is obtained. Use this support when you notice that your big toe is becoming crooked.


At night, you can use a night support for hallux valgus , which stabilizes the base joints of your big toe while you sleep.