Hallux valgus is a fairly common problem that most often affects the phalanx of the toes. Such a disease is not only a cosmetic defect. It also gives a lot of inconvenience to man. So what does the treatment for cones on the toes look like? What symptoms accompany the disease and why does it occur? The answers to these questions interest many people.
What is a big toe bump?
A bump or bone at the base of the thumb is associated with a gradual deformation of the joint, as a result of which the bones of the phalanges of the fingers are displaced. It is worth noting that such a disease is considered quite common. Most susceptible to it are women of mature age.
Deformation is a long process. And if you notice the presence of changes in the early stages, it is likely to correct the situation without the help of surgeons. Unfortunately, most patients perceive the disease as a slight aesthetic discomfort and seek help from a specialist already in the later stages of the disease, when the deformation leads to the appearance of pain, inflammation and restriction of movement.
Big toe cones : causes
In fact, there are many factors under the influence of which a similar disease develops. Before considering the treatment of cones on the legs of the big toe, it is worthwhile to understand the main causes of their occurrence.
- First of all, it is worth noting the genetic predisposition.
- As already mentioned, most often, deformation is diagnosed in women. Men make up only 2% of patients.
- The main risk factors include the constant wearing of uncomfortable shoes, in particular, shoes with a narrow toe and a high, unstable stilettos.
- Overweight can also provoke the development of deformation.
- Workers whose profession requires long standing or walking are also often affected by this disease.
- One of the potentially dangerous factors is the presence of endocrine diseases, including diabetes.
- Much more often, hallux valgus is diagnosed in the elderly.
Cones on the legs of the big toe: photos, symptoms and stages of the disease
Deformation is a chronic process. A similar disease can develop over several years. To date, it is customary to distinguish several stages of the disease:
- In the first stages, there is a slight displacement of the first phalanx towards the rest. As a rule, there is no physical discomfort at this stage, and small bones on the legs are perceived only as an aesthetic defect.
- In the second stage, already very noticeable bumps appear on the legs of the thumb. The photo shows how this deformation looks. In this case, not only the first, but also the second finger deviates. Patients often complain of discomfort, which increases when wearing uncomfortable shoes, as well as prolonged standing, walking, and physical exertion.
- The third stage of deformation is characterized by severe pain. In this case, you can notice the curvature of all toes. A person is constantly worried about pain, which often occurs even at rest. This significantly limits the freedom of movement. Often you can notice inflammation of the affected joint, which is accompanied by swelling, severe pain and redness of the skin.
Briefly about methods of early diagnosis
Of course, in later stages, the bump under the big toe or on the inside of the foot is visually visible. But even in cases where the diagnosis leaves no doubt, X-rays of the foot in three projections are needed. This helps to establish the presence of deformation, determine its degree, as well as see pathological bone growths, etc.
In some cases, computer plantography is additionally performed. This is a fairly simple procedure in which a footprint is taken using a special platform. Such a study helps to determine the degree of load on different parts of the feet.
In the early stages, the presence of deformation can be determined using computer podometry, which takes into account changes in a person’s gait. But biomechanical studies help diagnose pathology even during the preclinical stages of development. In any case, it is worth remembering that the correct diagnosis will determine how effective the treatment of the cones on the legs of the big toe will be.
Is medical treatment for hallux valgus possible?
Today, many people are interested in questions about whether it is possible to treat cones on the legs of the big toe with medications. As already mentioned, this pathology is associated with a gradual deformation of the joints, therefore, there are no effective drugs that can stop this process.
However, in some cases, complex therapy includes taking medications. They are mainly used to relieve pain, as well as to combat the inflammatory process. Therefore, taking medication is a way to eliminate the consequences that bumps on the legs of the big toe lead to.
The ointment used with Hallux valgus, as a rule, contains anti-inflammatory components. The most effective are steroidal (hormonal) gels, ointments and creams, which quickly relieve redness and swelling, reduce soreness and stop the further development of the inflammatory process, thereby facilitating the patient's condition. But without other therapeutic measures, the elimination of deformation is impossible.
Conservative treatments
Many people are interested in the question of whether it is possible to treat cones on the legs of the big toe without surgery. Of course, conservative therapy is effective, but only if it was started in the early stages of the disease.
What does this treatment include? Complex therapy consists of many different activities. In particular, the doctor will create for you an individual set of gymnastic exercises that will strengthen the muscles of the arch of the foot. There are also various orthopedic appliances, which will be described below.
In addition, the treatment includes regular foot massage sessions . This helps improve blood circulation and tissue nutrition. Various physiotherapy methods are also used, for example, phonophoresis, paraffin baths, electrophoresis with novocaine, etc., as well as spa treatment. If you are overweight, a specialist will recommend a diet. Of course, you will need to abandon stiletto shoes. The heel should be stable and low.
Gymnastics with hallux valgus
Unfortunately, many people are familiar with such a problem as the bumps on the legs of the big toe. Gymnastics with such a disease is an important part of treatment, as well as prevention. To begin with, it is worth noting that the complex of physiotherapy exercises is selected by a treating orthopedist, depending on the stage of development of the disease.
However, for the most part, such exercises are very simple. For example, many experts recommend walking barefoot as often as possible.
Here are some more effective exercises:
- For several minutes, alternately walk on the toes, heels and the outside of the feet (but in no case should you rely on the inside of the foot, where the “bones” are located).
- Sit on the floor, lean on your hands, and stretch your legs in front of you. Now alternately pull the socks forward and then back.
- Throw a small object, such as a key or a pencil, on the floor. Now try to lift it using your toes. There is another useful and simple exercise: try to crumple a sheet of paper with your toes.
It should be understood that physiotherapy exercises will provide the desired effect only if you perform the exercises regularly.
Orthopedic devices for correction of deformity
Conservative therapy must necessarily include the use of special orthopedic devices that ensure the alignment of curved bones and joints, as well as redistribute the load on certain parts of the foot.
In particular, special orthopedic insoles, interdigital rollers and arch supports that can be worn with shoes are considered quite popular. An orthopedist will tell you more about these devices, who will select the most suitable model.
In addition, there are special orthopedic tires that are convenient to use: with their help, you can fix the thumb in the correct position, thereby not only preventing further deformation, but also aligning the phalanges.
Are there effective folk remedies?
Is it possible to remove the bumps on the toes at home? Folk remedies, of course, exist, but it is immediately worth noting that with their help it is impossible to eliminate the existing deformation. In any case, even in the early stages of the disease, specialist consultation is simply necessary: without diagnosis and examination it is impossible to draw up the correct treatment regimen.
On the other hand, complex therapy may include some folk remedies. For example, some experts recommend making special medicinal foot baths every day. When preparing the solution, use a tablespoon of salt and 10 drops of iodine solution per liter of water.
There are many recipes for making compresses. For example, folk healers recommend applying a cabbage leaf smeared with honey on the affected joint. It must be fixed on the leg with a bandage and left overnight. A compress of burdock greased with turpentine also has a good effect. In addition, propolis and grated potatoes are considered quite effective agents.
It is worth noting that these funds have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect. They help to relieve pain and redness, but they do not affect the process of deformation. And do not forget that before you start using this or that folk treatment method, you should consult a specialist on this subject.
Surgical intervention for hallux valgus
Unfortunately, far from always conservative medicine can eliminate the bumps on the legs of the big toe. Surgery in such cases is the only alternative. Surgical intervention is usually prescribed in the late stages of deformity or if conservative treatment does not give the desired effect and the process of bone deformation continues.
Today, there are more than 200 different methods of surgical removal of such a defect. These can be operations on both soft and bone tissues. The choice of procedure depends on the degree of deformation, as well as the characteristics of the course of the disease. For example, in some cases, bone growths are removed. Sometimes the doctor may additionally remove certain areas of the bone. In some cases, the surgeon restores the normal position of the bones and tendons, and then fixes them using special metal screws.
The duration of the rehabilitation period depends on the complexity of the procedure. Subject to all doctor's recommendations and the availability of appropriate prophylaxis, the likelihood of relapse is minimized.
Strain prevention
Of course, prevention in this case is extremely important, especially when it comes to people prone to this kind of disease. Therefore, doctors recommend avoiding exposure to risk factors. In particular, it is worth refusing to wear uncomfortable shoes, and if you have a genetic tendency, give preference to special orthopedic models.
It is also important to monitor body weight, since excess kilograms are an additional burden on the joints of the foot. And do not forget about proper foot care: regular warm baths, massage, gymnastics, walking barefoot, etc.