Hallux Valgus
1. [noun] hallux Valgus is the most common deformity of the forefoot and the toes. 23% of 18-65 year olds and over 35% of those over 65 years have hallux valgus. Due to the noticeable form it’s also referred to as a bunion or ganglion. Here the big toe moves out of its alignment and points toward the outside edge of the foot. With hallux valgus, the often painful and inflamed, swollen metatarsal head in the metatarsophalangeal joint commonly bulges, pushing against the shoe. In a hallux valgus deformity the big toe - almost always in conjunction with splayfoot - first deviates toward the outside edge of the foot. So with hallux valgus, the tendon in the big toe no longer runs parallel to the big toe and straight in the metatarsophalangeal joint: Instead, a deviation from the normal alignment of the big toe develops. This causes a growing and usually painful, inflamed protrusion in the metatarsophalangeal joint: This is the protruding ball of the toe which always accompanies hallux valgus. See: https://www.joint-surgeon.com/orthopedic-service/foot-specialist/hallux-valgus-conservative-treatment-or-surgery.html ; June 17 2019
Frequently Asked Questions
How does hallux valgus alter the normal alignment of the big toe compared to a typical foot?
In hallux valgus, the big toe deviates outward, changing the usual parallel tendon alignment. This shift creates a protruding bump at the joint, which contrasts with the straight configuration found in an uncomplicated foot.
Can everyday actions like walking reveal differences in a foot with hallux valgus?
Yes, regular walking may highlight changes in how pressure is distributed across the foot. These differences in gait dynamics can make the misalignment and bump associated with hallux valgus more noticeable during daily activities.
How does the Latin origin of hallux valgus aid in remembering its characteristic feature?
The word 'hallux' means big toe, while 'valgus' means bent outward. This etymology helps one recall that the condition involves the big toe deviating laterally, resulting in a distinctive bump at the joint.