Modern uncomfortable shoes, high heels, constant fuss make most women develop hallux valgus deformity of the big toe. This is an unpleasant and very painful disease that is difficult to treat. But in the initial stages, the corrector for the big toe can help correct the situation for the better.
Disease characteristic
Many women know what a bulging “bump” on the leg is. This is a painful formation that interferes with normal movement. And choosing shoes is becoming quite difficult.
This condition is called hallux valgus. From uncomfortable shoes or other adverse conditions, the thumb deviates to the side, the joint is bent, and its protruding part becomes inflamed and causes discomfort to women.
Men are much less likely to suffer from this disease, they practically do not fall into the risk group.
In the early stages of the disease, a rectifier will help. The toe corrector fixes it in an anatomical position, preventing further curvature.
The principle of correctors
The curvature of the toe occurs due to the fact that he gradually begins to deviate towards the other phalanges on the leg. With the development of the disease, the joint moves in the joint bag, and its edge begins to bulge out. As a result, bursitis develops - inflammation of the joint bag. The protruding part is constantly in contact with the shoe, resistant corns are formed on its surface.
In the early stages of the development of the disease, the corrector for the big toe is well established. His task is to fix the protruding bone in the anatomical position. With a weak development of the disease and subject to regular use after 2-3 weeks, the therapeutic effect will be obvious.
But do not hope that this is a panacea for a rather complex disease. At the second and third stages of development of hallux valgus, the corrector is able to only slightly correct the condition and relieve pain. It is possible to restore the joint into place only under the condition of surgical intervention.
Types of correctors by time of use
Modern research has allowed to improve this device to such an extent that everyone can easily find the option that suits him.
Manufacturers distinguish the corrector of the big toe night and day. In the night version, more rigid and radical methods of fixation are used. The materials in it are also quite durable. This allows you to lock your finger in one position. But at the same time, the possibility of free movement is minimized.
In such correctors, a wide and long tire is provided, superimposed on the curved joint and attached to the finger of the upper part of the device.
Daytime proofreaders are less radical. They are made from soft materials such as gel or silicone. The fixation in this case is not so hard. This allows you to walk freely with the device even in spacious shoes. But the effect of treatment will have to wait a little longer.
Plastic, silicone and fabric proofreaders: what's the difference?
Among people who use the big toe corrector, reviews are mixed. And they relate primarily to products with different materials.
Plastic adjustable correctors have the highest degree of fixation. They completely immobilize the finger, directing it to the inner side of the foot. If you use it wisely, gradually increasing the load, then in a short period of time you can achieve an obvious result.
Silicone and gel proofreaders do not only pull the finger to the side, but rather prevent it from deviating to the other fingers. Plus, they prevent bone friction on shoes. But a less rigid fixation makes you wait longer for the visible effect.
The smallest degree of correction is provided by tissue devices. They slightly deflect the finger to the anatomical position. Effective only at the first manifestations of the disease.
Adjustable and unregulated correctors
As it has already become apparent, some devices have a rigid bus. The corrector of the big toe with such a device often refers to adjustable. The essence of its action is that, resting on the protruding bone, the tire presses on it with great force. The degree of pressure is adjusted depending on how far the finger is fixed relative to the plane of the edge of the foot. This is achieved due to the fact that the clamp with which the corrector is attached has several degrees of tightening.
Unregulated correctors constantly exert the same pressure on the finger and protruding bone. A tire in their design is more often protective than corrective in nature. Such devices have a prophylactic rather than therapeutic effect.
Therefore, the choice of degree of fixation depends on the state of the disease itself. The more it is launched, the more strong pressure must be exerted on the finger and bone.
Popular finger corrector
Valgus plus corrector for the big toe gets pretty good user reviews. By its design, it refers to daytime. The corrector is made of soft gel material.
By design, it is worn on the big toe. On the side of the bone is a soft tire that protects the protruding “bump” from rubbing against shoes. It also helps to reduce pain during walking.
Between the big and the next toes, there is a thick cushion that deflects the broken bone towards its anatomical position. Due to the fact that the material of the corrector is quite soft, the roller does not rub, does not press and does not form corns.
Among the disadvantages of this corrector is the inability to cure the late stages of the disease.
Day or night?
In connection with the huge variety of models, the question arises: "When is it better to use the corrector of the big toe?" Day will accompany the patient everywhere. But for him it is necessary to choose the right shoes. If the shoes or shoes are narrowed, then the corrector will cause unnecessary discomfort. The duration of the daily corrector should not exceed 10 hours. Otherwise, the finger will become seriously tired, and problems of a completely different nature will begin.
Nighttime devices have a more radical effect on a curved joint. But their duration is limited to night sleep, which is somewhat less than for daytime proofreaders. But the effect of their use is more obvious.
The choice of the type of correction depends only on the personal preferences of the patient and the recommendations of the orthopedist.
Caution, fake!
Since hallux valgus is ubiquitous, many scammers manage to make money on it. They offer a corrector for the big toe, which supposedly solves the problem in a matter of days. In addition, their advertisements give a guarantee that the device will cure even the most acute stage of the disease.
In fact, buying such correctors is not recommended categorically. They are not able to correct even the initial stages. But their price is decent.
If you are prescribed the use of a corrector, or you yourself decided to try its effect on yourself, it is better to go to the pharmacy right away. Only certified devices come there that are worth the money spent on them.
In order not to get into trouble, it is still better to abandon self-medication and undergo a consultation with an orthopedist. He will tell you exactly which company and where it is better to take a good corrector.
Hallux Valgus Prevention
So that your legs always remain healthy, and your gait is easy, it is better to pay special attention to prevention.
First of all, choose only comfortable shoes. To reduce the load on the foot, purchase special orthopedic insoles at the pharmacy. They will not allow the joints to get tired, and the joint bag - to relax.
Try to avoid high-heeled shoes whenever possible. It is she who in most cases becomes the cause of the curvature of the joints.
In order not to use the corrector for the big toe, practice self-massage as often as possible. An excellent alternative to him would be walking barefoot in the sand, pebbles or grass. They stimulate blood circulation and strengthen the muscles of the foot.
If you monitor the health of your legs, hallux valgus will never happen. And this guarantees an easy and confident gait, which the opposite sex likes so much.