I looked into hallux valgus, a representative foot disorder.

What is hallux valgus?

 

It is a condition where the big toe excessively curves toward the second toe due to congenital or acquired factors, and a bump protrudes on the medial side of the proximal joint of the big toe, causing joint deformity and pain.

 

• What could be the cause?
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Hallux valgus can occur due to disease or weight gain, as well as genetic factors, but it can also develop when wearing narrow shoes or high-heeled shoes. In the past, when people did not wear such narrow or high-heeled shoes, the prevalence of hallux valgus was low, but due to Westernized footwear, the prevalence has recently increased to about 20-30%, similar to that of Western populations. However, not everyone who wears high-heeled or narrow shoes develops hallux valgus, so it appears to result from a complex interaction of external factors, including genetic predisposition.

 

• Could I have hallux valgus?
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Diagnosing bunion deformity is not that difficult. Visiting a nearby orthopedic clinic, discussing the pain experienced when wearing shoes, and combining this with X-ray examinations allows for assessing the severity of the condition and categorizing the degree of deformity.

 

How should we proceed with the treatment?

 

For mild cases, wearing comfortable shoes with wide toe boxes and low heels to eliminate additional deformities is the best treatment and prevention for bunions. However, if pain and deformity caused by bunions become severe and interfere with social activities, surgical correction should be considered.

 

• What happens if you neglect it?

 

If bunion deformity is left untreated, calluses and pain may develop on the bottom of the second and third toes, and the second toe may overlap the big toe, causing a twisting of the toes. Additionally, inflammation can occur in the toe joints or the joints on the top of the foot.

Choosing comfortable shoes is more important than anything else. Additionally, wearing various types of orthotics not prescribed by the hospital may lead to temporary improvement, but it does not correct the fundamental deformity.

Director Lee Byung-ho of Jeonju Su Hospital

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