A bump on the foot near the big toe is a problem for many. And this is not just an aesthetic flaw. After all, as a rule, the appearance of such a formation is associated with the deformation of the joints and bones of the foot, which, accordingly, is accompanied by discomfort. That is why today many people are interested in questions about why such bumps appear and what treatment methods modern medicine offers.
What is a bump on the big toe?
Of course, the bump on the foot near the thumb can have a different origin. For example, swelling and pain in the joint area may indicate the development of an inflammatory process or incipient arthritis. In addition, the formation of small sizes can be an ordinary corn (corns).
But in most cases, bumps on the legs (photo) indicate the so-called hallux valgus (the term Hallux valgus is also used in medicine ). This ailment is extremely common among women, which most researchers attribute to wearing uncomfortable shoes. But in men, a lump on the legs can be seen extremely rarely - in only 2% of cases.
Bump on the foot near the big toe: causes of its formation
In fact, there are many factors that can provoke the development of hallux valgus:
- To begin with, it is worth noting the genetic predisposition to this disease.
- On the other hand, the curvature of the axis of the joint is often associated with the constant wearing of uncomfortable high-heeled shoes and narrow toes.
- The risk factors can also include flat feet of the transverse type, since with a similar pathology, the load distribution during walking changes.
- Being overweight is also potentially dangerous, because extra pounds is an additional burden on the bone apparatus of the foot.
- In some cases, the deformation develops after an injury, for example, after a severe bruise or fracture of the bones of the foot, dislocation, etc.
Bumps on the legs: photos and symptoms
Signs of development of valgus deformity depend on the stage of development of the disease. As a rule, in the initial stages, patients note rapid fatigue and heaviness in the legs. Gradually, a bulge begins to appear on the joint near the thumb.
As the cone grows, changes in the position of the thumb can be noted - it deviates towards the rest of the phalanges of the foot. Along with this, discomfort occurs, which increases with prolonged walking, standing, or physical exertion. Many people also note that a bump on the leg hurts. And if at first soreness appears only from time to time, then as the deformation progresses, it becomes almost constant. The skin above the bone may swell and redden.
Stages of the development of the disease
The bump on the foot near the thumb may look different, because the external symptoms directly depend on the stage of the disease. In modern medicine, it is customary to distinguish three phases of deformation:
- In the first stage of the disease, the cones are small. This period is rarely accompanied by severe pain - most often, discomfort occurs with prolonged walking or physical exertion. Only the thumb deviates from the normal axis.
- At the second stage, it is much easier to notice the presence of pathology. After all, the bone gradually increases in size - patients, as a rule, can no longer walk in the usual shoes. At this stage, not only the big toe, but also the second toe is deformed.
- The third stage is accompanied by constant discomfort. After all, large bumps interfere with walking, and deformation extends to the remaining toes.
In any case, it is worth remembering - if you notice that there are bumps on your legs, go to the orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible, since the initial stages are easily amenable to conservative treatment.
What are the complications of the disease?
The bump on the foot near the thumb by most patients is initially perceived as an aesthetic defect. This, of course, affects a person’s life, bringing emotional discomfort to her. But this is far from the worst consequence.
As already mentioned, in the absence of appropriate treatment, the deformation progresses. Gradually, this leads to a limitation of the mobility of the joint, and then the entire foot. After all, the curved phalanx interferes with normal walking, turning every movement into a real torture.
On the other hand, changing the shape and location of the toe complicates the choice of shoes - most patients with this diagnosis complain of the constant occurrence of corns and scuffs on the feet. Another common complication is nail ingrowth, which is also accompanied by pain, inflammation, and often suppuration.
And do not forget that deformed joints are often inflamed, which is also extremely unpleasant and even dangerous.
Basic diagnostic methods
In fact, the diagnosis of hallux valgus is rarely fraught with some difficulties, especially when it comes to the neglected stages. To confirm the diagnosis, the patient needs to take x-rays of the feet in three projections - they will allow the doctor to see the deviations of the metatarsal bones and the curvature of the phalanges of the fingers.
Sometimes additional studies are prescribed. For example, computer plantography allows you to make an accurate footprint, which allows you to judge the degree of violation of the load on the bones. In the early stages, the disease can be diagnosed using computer podometry (the study helps to detect characteristic changes in gait), as well as biomechanical studies.
Bump near the big toe: conservative treatment
In fact, drugs that can stop further deformation and even out already bent bones do not exist. Therefore, various physiotherapy methods are most often used to treat this disease. A regular massage and specially selected gymnastic exercises will also give a good effect.
If the deformation is accompanied by severe pain, inflammation and redness of the skin, then the patient may be prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - in most cases, these are ointments and gels for external use.
The therapy will look something like this if you have a bump on your foot near the big toe. Treatment in this case is a long and complex process. The success of therapy largely depends on how accurately the patient complies with the doctor’s instructions, so do not neglect the advice of specialists.
Orthopedic devices to eliminate deformation
If you have bumps on your feet, then it's time to seek the help of an orthopedist. Today, there are many different devices that help stop the process of further deformation, and sometimes even out already bent joints.
For patients with the initial stage of the disease, doctors usually recommend the use of special insoles for shoes, arch support, as well as rollers that are placed between the toes. Such products ensure the correct distribution of the load, and also reduce the discomfort that occurs while walking.
Finger correctors are also considered quite popular - special devices that are placed on the big toes, keeping them in a normal position. As a rule, proofreaders wear for the night.
There is another design with which a bump on the leg is treated near the thumb. The photo shows a special orthopedic splint that fixes the toes in a normal position, not allowing them to deviate from the normal axis. By the way, there are models that can be attached to shoes, which is also very convenient.
Surgical Methods
Unfortunately, conservative remedies for cones on the legs are not always effective. With the help of orthopedic appliances, massages and gymnastics, the development of further deformation can be prevented, but only at the initial stages. More severe cases require radical treatment. Surgical operation allows you to almost completely get rid of the disease, correct the inclination of the bones, eliminate pain and discomfort.
In fact, the first surgical removal procedures appeared a long time ago. During the operation, the doctor simply sawed off or completely removed part of the metatarsal bone. Of course, such a procedure entailed a lot of complications, in particular, loss of foot support.
Modern operations allow you to almost completely get rid of deformation without any serious consequences. During the procedure, the doctor shifts the tendons and changes the angle between the phalangeal bones, which allows you to form the correct arch of the foot. As a rule, after a few days, the patient can normally move using special orthopedic shoes.
There are more severe cases when the above procedure does not completely eliminate the bumps on the legs. The operation for these patients looks different - the phalanx bones are fixed using special medical screws. This is a more complicated procedure, so the rehabilitation period lasts from 4 to 6 weeks.
But it is worthwhile to understand that even after surgery, it is worth observing preventive precautions.
Is it possible to get rid of cones at home?
Of course, you can improve the condition of the feet at home. For example, doctors recommend regularly making warm foot baths using sea salt. In addition, you can prevent further deformation with the help of foot massage - it can be easily done independently. All of these methods will help improve blood circulation and tissue nutrition.
Today, many people are interested in questions about whether there is alternative therapy that allows you to get rid of such an unpleasant phenomenon as a bump on the foot near the big toe. How to treat such a disease with folk remedies? Of course, there are many remedies.
For example, some folk healers recommend every evening to lubricate the skin around the bone with a small amount of iodine. A leaf of fresh cabbage is considered to be quite effective, which must be greased with honey and applied to the affected area. Slightly warmed beeswax can be applied to the bump. But all these tools help to eliminate pain and inflammation - they can not get rid of the curvature.
Basic preventive methods
It is much easier to avoid hallux valgus than to try to get rid of it later. That is why doctors recommend that you take precautions. In particular, this applies to people who are genetically prone to such a disease.
Of course, first of all, it is worth taking care of shoes, which should be comfortable and, preferably, have orthopedic insoles or soles. The regular performance of simple gymnastic exercises will also positively affect the condition of the feet. Doctors also recommend monitoring body weight, as an additional load on the joints of the legs can trigger the development of deformation. From time to time, attend a massage. And, of course, when the first symptoms appear, consult a doctor immediately.
Gymnastics for the feet
Of course, special exercises for the feet are extremely important. Here are the simplest and most effective of them:
- extension and flexion of the ankle joint;
- abduction of the feet in and out;
- flexion and extension of the toes;
- throw some small object (for example, a pencil) on the floor and try to lift it with your toes;
- take a small piece of paper and learn how to crumple it using your toes;
- try moving your toes separately.
These exercises are very simple - they can be easily performed even while sitting at your desk. However, the effect of regular gymnastics is simply invaluable. This not only helps to speed up the healing process and restore mobility to the fingers, but also prevent the development of hallux valgus.