HALLUX VALGUS...WHAT IS IT?

Hallux valgus is one of the most common foot pain issues impacting the toes and can be one of the most painful. Hallux valgus is also known as a bunion. 

Typically, hallux valgus begins gradually as a dull, intermittent pain in the big toe joint and if left untreated progress to misalignments and foot deformities . Still, others notice it as pain in your small toe. For many it can be the result of poorly fitting shoes or genetics or medical conditions. All of these could attribute to the formation of hallux valgus. Hallux valgus can flare up as a result of walking, running, standing, or other physical activity, especially if you have increased one of may of these.

• Do you have a bump forming on the outside of the base of your big toe? 
• Do you have swelling, redness or soreness around your big toe joint?
• Do you have limited movement of your big toe?
• Has your doctor diagnosed you with the foot condition hallux valgus or bunions? 
• Are you looking for ways to relieve that foot pain before surgery is the only option for correcting them?  

What IS Hallux Valgus?

Hallux Valgus is a Common Toe Problem

Hallux valgus or bunions are one of the most commonly diagnosed foot problems. Curious about what it is? Hallux valgus is a bony bump that forms at the joint of your big toe. Without proper foot care, hallux valgus can lead to surgery being the only treatment. There are also beliefs that bunions are genetic. Our team covers causes of hallux valgus, discusses the belief about genetics and several foot care solutions in a recent hallux valgus blog.

What Hallux RIGIDUS?

Hallux Rigidus is also a Common Big Toe Ailment

Hallux rigidus is a disorder of the joint located at the base of the big toe. It causes pain and stiffness in the joint, and with time, it gets increasingly harder to bend the toe. Hallux refers to the big toe, while rigidus indicates that the toe is rigid and cannot move or a "stiff big toe." Hallux rigidus is actually a form of degenerative arthritis.

Hallux rigidus is a progressive condition, which means it can get worse over time. Some people find that it never gets much worse than when it started. But for others, the pain and stiffness worsen. They have less and less motion in the joint. The Cleveland Clinic shares some great information about What is Hallux Rigidus and How to Treat on their website.

What Causes Hallux Valgus?

Hallux Valgus Causes

According to the Mayo Clinic, hallux valgus or a bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. It occurs when some of the bones in the front part of your foot move out of place. Similarly, the same bony bump can form on the outside of your foot at the base of your little toe and those are called bunionettes. Both of these can cause you to experience foot pain and both can lead to the need for potential surgery to correct if you are not regularly providing proper foot care. Hallux Valgus is debated as to whether these are genetic foot issues or if they are caused by your footwear or something else.

Our team shares some of the signs that hallux valgus or a bunion is forming, what you can do and more in this recent blog post on a forming bunion.

Best Foot Care Treatments For HALLUX VALGUS

Hallux Valgus Treatment & Foot Alignment Correction

Your shoes can be one of the biggest culprits when it comes to hallux valgus. There is no one size fits all shoe that works for every person. We often see that the shoes you wear could be the cause of your foot pain. Couple that with poor foot care and you could be looking at surgery as your only treatment. 

There are many factors that go into selecting the best shoe for foot pain. The best shoe for foot pain may be a combination of shoe and orthotics. It may be a low-heeled shoe instead of those high heels and stilettos. It could be a shoe with a deeper toe box which gives your toes more room inside your shoe. We recommend consulting with a specialty shoe shop or your doctor for shoes tailored to your specific foot needs.

Foot Alignment Socks & Night Splints

Many physical therapists & doctors will recommend wearing a splint or socks that stretches your calf, the arch of your foot or toes for proper foot alignment. This foot care solution for hallux valgus can be simple and effective all while you sit watching TV or even while you sleep.

My Happy Feet has patented toe alignment socks that do just that while providing a comfortable daily foot care treatment for hallux valgus, bunionettes and most common foot ailments. Often these foot socks can be worn overnight and help to position your toes while lengthening and stretching leading to relief from hallux valgus pain. Buy a pair today by visiting our online store.

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