Hallux valgus is a cone on the inner plane of the foot. From a medical point of view, this phenomenon is an external manifestation of the "protrusion" of the head of the 1st metatarsal bone. The reason for the development of this anomaly is transverse flatfoot. Hallux valgus deformity of the first toe is observed much more often than other deformities. As a rule, pathology manifests itself in women after thirty years.
The main reason that results in hallux valgus deformity is a failure in the ligamentous apparatus. This disorder is caused by congenital connective tissue weakness. This heredity is transmitted to generations along the female line. This explains the fact that in some people the disorder occurs at a fairly young age, while in others, despite predisposing factors, it does not develop in adulthood. It must be said that the main reason for the occurrence of pathology is the wearing of high-heeled shoes with narrow socks.
In such shoes, pressure distribution on the foot occurs unevenly. The main load falls on the front section, normally which should account for no more than thirty percent of the total load. As a result, the musculo-ligamentous apparatus, which performs retention of the bones of the anterior section, ceases to cope with its tasks. This leads to excessive tension of the ligaments, a gradual divergence of the metatarsal bones. As a result, flattening of the foot of the transverse nature begins to develop. Due to the displacement of the 1st metatarsal bone , the direction of traction in the tendons of the 1st finger changes inward - it becomes eccentric. The appearance of the first signs of deviation of the 1st finger outward indicates the onset of the disease. It should be said that the development of pathology is an irreversible process. Further pathology only progresses. The terms of deterioration are strictly individual.
Due to the constant tension of the extensor and flexion tendons, an increase in the metatarsophalangeal angle, compaction and shortening of the outer part of the joint capsule, the forces begin to act on the finger, which contribute to its outward deflection. As a result, a return to the initial (normal) position becomes impossible.
The subsequent deviation contributes to an even more intense irritation of the formed "bump" when walking in shoes. As a result, valgus deformity provokes the growth of exostosis, the formation of chronic inflammation in the soft tissues. Thus, bursitis of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint is diagnosed. As a result, all this provokes pain in the "bump" area. Over time, they take on a permanent character. Hallux valgus may be accompanied by pain not only in the "bump" area. Unpleasant soreness can occur under the heads of 2 and 3 metatarsal bones. This is due to overload while walking these departments.
Due to the fact that the pathology under consideration is only a manifestation of transverse flatfoot, removal of the cone alone is usually not enough. Surgical measures should be aimed mainly at reducing the width of the foot, correcting the position of the 1st finger, changing the axis of the 1st metatarsal bone, and also restoring the capsular ligamentous apparatus.
Surgical treatment includes necessarily removing the outgrowth. The subsequent volume of operation will depend on the degree of flat feet. They perform operations on bones and soft tissues (osteotomy).
To achieve a stable positive result, an osteotomy of the 1st metatarsal bone is performed. Depending on the condition, an operation may additionally be performed on one of the phalanges of the 1st finger and 2-5 bones.