Hallux Valgus

Hallux valgus, a misalignment (X-position) of the big toe—also known as a bunion—is one of the most common toe deformities. It's especially familiar to women.

Wearing the right footwear can help prevent discomfort, relieve symptoms, and even support treatment.

Causes / Risks

Wearing shoes that are too tight and restrict movement forces the big toe out of its natural, straight position, pushing it toward the second toe.

This alters the biomechanics of walking, leading to improper load distribution. A genetic predisposition can significantly accelerate the development of hallux valgus.

What may start as a mere cosmetic issue can gradually turn into a serious problem, causing significant foot pain over time.

 

 

Symptoms / Signs

Insufficient space in the forefoot area of the shoe increases localized pressure on the big toe's base joint. The joint "defends itself" with pain, often due to a possible bursitis (inflammation of the bursa). If the big toe doesn't return to its natural position, the risk of overload or inflammation remains. Full joint function may be limited, and the joint misalignment could become chronic, potentially leading to osteoarthritis.

Even a very pronounced hallux valgus doesn't necessarily cause pain.

However, biomechanically, it still leads to dysfunction, which can worsen due to the altered pull angle of the big toe tendons.

The incorrect pressure on the sole of the foot can lead to increased callus formation in areas not anatomically suited for load-bearing or pressure distribution, causing both static and dynamic disturbances, as well as pain throughout the midfoot area.

This misalignment can also contribute to the flattening of the so-called transverse arch of the foot (flatfoot).

Metabolic disorders, nerve sensitivity issues, and/or changes in the vascular system can also increase the likelihood of developing hallux valgus and its associated problems.

 

 

 

 

Therapy

A hallux valgus can progress over time. Treatment is only necessary if symptoms occur.

The appropriate treatment options depend on the severity of the symptoms, the type of deformity, and any underlying conditions.

FinnStretch-shoes can become your ideal companion.

To alleviate discomfort, several conservative treatments are available for managing hallux valgus.

 

 

      Orthotics / Braces

  • These are designed to bring the big toe into a physiologically correct position. The goal is to alleviate discomfort and possibly slow the progression of joint changes, although it remains unclear whether this can be fully achieved.

    Silicone toe separators, customized by podiatrists, can be worn inside shoes. However, they only keep the big toe in a static position. These orthotics also occupy space in the shoe.

    Active correction of the misalignment is often not possible. Braces typically work in a static manner and are usually worn at night.




 

      Suitable Footwear

  • Whenever possible, flat shoes should be worn (with a maximum heel height of 2.5 cm) that provide enough room for all toes and, if necessary, for podiatric orthotics. The toes or bunion area can also be padded for extra comfort.

    For inflammation-related pain in the midfoot (metatarsalgia), supportive or offloading insoles may be made, possibly in combination with a forefoot or midfoot roll, in consultation with the treating doctor.



 

      Physiotherapy

  • Targeted exercises are designed to relieve tension throughout the foot, muscles, and ligaments, strengthen the foot arches, and improve foot mobility. These exercises can help increase the foot's load-bearing capacity and overall flexibility.



 

If the symptoms have become chronic (such as osteoarthritis) or if joint stiffening has already occurred, surgery is often the only option to provide relief. This typically involves significant alterations to the foot's structure, and the muscles and ligaments must gradually adjust to the new "lever mechanics" in the forefoot.

The best choice for suitable footwear at all stages of hallux valgus is a shoe with stretch inserts from FinnComfort.

 

 

 

 

FinnStretch – Elastic Inserts with New Design

FinnStretch shoes are specifically designed to meet the needs of very sensitive feet, such as those of people with rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes. They offer plenty of room for the toes, and the elastic upper material significantly reduces shoe pressure on the foot.

FinnStretch shoes are particularly snug, even in the non-stretch areas, and are partially equipped with soft foam padding and an elastic upper.

These shoes are especially well-suited for additional challenges associated with hallux valgus, such as hammer or claw toes, as they don’t constrict sensitive toes.

Whether with laces or Velcro, these shoes ensure easy entry, and the width can be comfortably adjusted to fit your foot.

 

Overview