2023-07-07 19:39:29
Foot exercises, splints or surgery
In some women, the feet deform over time and a bunion, the so-called hallux valgus, forms. Just waiting isn’t a good idea. Because deformed feet can also put a strain on the knees. The toe does not always have to be operated on.
(dpa) – Too tight, too pointed, too high – all characteristics that apply to high heels. But although they are often uncomfortable to wear, many women do not want to do without them. Some pay a high price for it. With the heel high up, the feet are placed in a completely unnatural way and are often also squeezed. It can happen that the big toe (hallux) gets into an inclined position. Doctors speak of one Ballenzehin technical terms this is called hallux valgus.
With hallux valgus, the bone tissue and soft tissues such as tendons and muscles in the metatarsal are deformed. This shifts the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. “On the inner edge of the foot below the big toe there is a bony bulge,” describes the orthopedist Ramin Nazemi from Essen. She presses uncomfortably once morest the shoe. If left untreated, the pain will only get worse over the years.
In the case of bunion, the so-called hallux valgus, the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe has shifted. This causes the big toe to be crooked. Photo: dpa
Several factors usually play a role in the development of hallux valgus. “In 60 to 70 percent of all cases, those affected have one familial predisposition regarding it,” explains Nazemi. If there is also a tendency to loose connective tissue – and high heels – deformations of the feet are likely.
If you notice a foot changing, you should Visit to the doctor or podiatrist don’t wait that long. If left untreated, hallux valgus not only affects the feet. “Due to the changed gait due to the deformity, it can Pain in knees and back come,” warns podiatrist Tatjana Pfersich.
“In the early stages of hallux valgus, toe spreaders and targeted foot muscle training can alleviate symptoms”, says orthopedist Mellany Galla. She is chairwoman of the German Society for Foot and Ankle Surgery (GFFC). Toe separators are soft pads made of gel or silicone that are placed between the big toe and adjacent toes. This is how the toe is brought from the valgus to the normal position.
Special splints that are attached to the feet also help to bring the big toe back into its natural position. “Orthopaedic insoles, on the other hand, do not help at all with hallux valgus”, says Nazemi. He also relies on targeted foot muscle training. The exercises are simple and can be practiced once more and once more in between. For example, pick up pens that are on the floor with your toes. Spreading your toes also helps.
OP in extreme cases
Patients can only consider an operation if aids such as toe spreaders, bandages and splints as well as foot exercises do not bring relief. In principle, the procedure is a correction of the bone and soft tissue. “It is important that a bandage shoe is worn consistently for six to eight weeks following the procedure so that the corrected bone does not break,” emphasizes Nazemi.
Of course, the best thing is if it doesn’t come to that in the first place. If you want to do something to prevent hallux valgus, you should walk barefoot as much as possible. Regular foot exercises also help to keep your feet fit. In everyday life, it is best to wear flat shoes that offer enough space for your feet. But women don’t have to do without high heels, Nazemi reassured. From his point of view, there is nothing wrong with wearing them for a short time – for example on a festive occasion.
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