Hallux valgus, also known as a bunion, is one of the most common foot deformities seen in adults. This is the condition characterized by the development of a bony bump on the joint of the big toe. In hallux valgus, the big toe becomes misaligned while the joint points towards the foot’s outside edge. This condition is also known as a ganglion.
A bunion causes pain & inflammation in maximum cases and the affected person may also find it difficult to walk with this condition. Treatment of this condition often requires the use of medical tape or bunion pads along with physical therapy and medication. But in severe cases, surgical intervention is required, and it may involve the use of orthopedic devices. To get quality ones, smartness lies in finding reliable Orthopaedic Device Companies.
Is Bunion a Medical or Cosmetic Problem?
Here, one thing that requires attention is that bunions do not always cause pain. Thus, in the early stages, hallux valgus is considered a cosmetic condition. In some cases, this condition does not affect the daily life of an individual. For this condition, gentle cosmetic surgery is also available, and some people might go for that. This is because cosmetically optimal surgery reduces skin incision, scarring, and the use of orthopedic implants as well.
In the case of normal surgery, the incision might be bigger and the chances are high that trauma implants might be used. But the decision of which surgical procedure will be the best will be taken by the doctor depending upon the seriousness of the condition.
What Are the Causes of Hallux Valgus?
Pressure on the big toe for years is the common reason for the development of a bunion. People who wear tight shoes are highly prone to developing this condition. Apart from this, people engaged in activities that involve prolonged standing may also develop a bunion. Wearing ill-fitting shoes may also cause extreme pain in the affected area.
What Are the Risk Factors Associated with Bunion?
There are certain risk factors that increase the chances of developing hallux valgus:
Family history of bunions
Injuries occurring in the foot
Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases
How is Hallux Valgus Diagnosed?
Hallux Valgus can be detected just by looking at the affected joint as it appears deformed with a bump pointing outwards. The doctor might also recommend an x-ray to check the severity of the damaged joint and its alignment.
What Are the Methods Used for the Treatment of Hallux Valgus?
There are multiple ways by which bunion can be treated and that depends upon the seriousness of the condition. But non-surgical treatment procedure is the one preferred the most. Different types of treatment methods used include:
A bunion pad is applied to cushion the affected area and relieve pain. Medical tape is also used to keep the joint in the right alignment.
Another way to relieve the symptoms of a bunion is to change footwear and wear loose ones. Wearing tight shoes makes the pain worse and might also delay healing. Hence, this is very important.
Custom-made shoe inserts (orthotics) are also sometimes prescribed to maintain the foot alignment and ensure that no extra pressure is being applied on the affected foot. A splint is also found to be effective and is known to keep the toe straight.
Pain-relieving medicines and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also prescribed to provide relief from pain and inflammation. Medication is prescribed along with other treatment methods.
To increase the strength of the muscles around the big toe, physical therapy is also recommended by the doctor. This also helps improve joint alignment.
Steroid injections may also relieve pain and swelling but they have often been used as a late treatment. It may also be used to avoid surgery.
The last and only left method for the treatment of hallux valgus is surgery. When the condition is serious and all other treatment methods won’t be able to provide any positive results, surgery is recommended. Surgical intervention may need trauma implants and they must be of true quality.
Siora Surgicals Pvt. Ltd., an India-based manufacturer of orthopedic devices is one of the companies that can be trusted to get international standard quality implants. With over 30 years of experience, the company has established a strong position in the global market. Siora is also known as a reliable supplier of trauma Implants Latvia.
