Hallux Valgus, an Enemy to Our Beauty

Hallux valgus, also known as bunion is an abnormal structure (deformity) of the big toe that tilts toward the smaller toes. As time goes by, the pain sensation in the toe slowly increases and the bony lump on the side of the toe is significantly visible. Therefore, it affects our daily lives and confidence. 

The following are the causes of hallux valgus:

• Abnormal foot structures: Flat feet, a loss of the cartilage in the big toe, a deformity in the big toe, etc.
• Abnormalities in the muscles and tendons: A loss of joint tissue, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Tendon Inflammation.
• Hereditary: It is typically found in people aged between 10 – 19 years old.
• Wearing inappropriate shoes: wearing too small, too high, too tight cone heels that squeeze the tip of the toe. 

If you have pain sensation when wearing shoes, walking, running, or putting pressure on your feet, you should seek medical attention and treatment. For patients who have a mild symptom of hallux valgus, surgical treatment may not be necessary. They can just avoid wearing high heels and wear comfortable and proper size of shoes instead. However, if the symptom is getting worst, the surgeon may consider providing surgical treatment which is a minimally invasive surgery. With this procedure, it allows the patients to have faster recovery.

For more information, kindly contact Orthopedics Center, 3rd Fl., Vejthani Hospital or call +66(0)2-734-0000 ext. 2298