Hallux varus is a foot deformity where the tip of the big toe points inward, away from the other toes, causing difficulty walking and wearing shoes. While mild cases can be managed with stretching or splints, more severe cases often require surgery to correct the deformity and alleviate pain.

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Causes of Hallux Varus

Hallux varus can result from:

  • Congenital factors: Some people are born with a foot structure that predisposes them to hallux varus.
  • Trauma: Injury or damage to the foot, particularly the sesamoid bone, can cause muscular imbalances, leading to the toe drifting.
  • Bunion surgery complications: One of the most common causes of hallux varus is ligament rupture in the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint during bunion surgery.

Symptoms of Hallux Varus

The most obvious symptom of hallux varus is the inward drift of the big toe. Other symptoms include:

  • Chronic soreness in the foot
  • Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
  • Difficulty wearing close-toed shoes due to pressure on the toe
  • Foot weakness and discomfort
  • Ingrown toenails due to abnormal toe positioning
  • Limited range of motion in the toe joint
  • Swelling and pain in the foot and ankle, especially when pressure is placed on the toe

The condition often worsens with poorly fitting shoes that crowd the toes, but joint pain is not typically a symptom of hallux varus.

Treatment for Hallux Varus

Non-Surgical Treatment:

For mild cases of hallux varus, the following treatments can help alleviate symptoms:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain
  • Custom orthotics to correct foot alignment and improve comfort
  • Physical therapy, including tendon stretching exercises for the toe
  • Steroid injections to manage inflammation
  • Toe splints to help maintain proper toe positioning

Surgical Treatment:

If non-surgical treatments do not provide relief or the deformity worsens, surgery may be required to correct the foot structure. Surgical options include:

  • Osteotomy: Cutting and repositioning the bone to realign the toe
  • Sesamoidectomy: Removal of the sesamoid bone to restore balance in the foot
  • Tendon transfers: Repositioning or replacing tendons to correct muscle imbalances

If you are experiencing symptoms of hallux varus, consult your physician to discuss the best treatment options for your specific condition. Early intervention can help prevent the condition from worsening and improve your foot function.