Hallux valgus is an orthopaedic malposition of the big toe and the first metatarsal in two directions with lump formation.
The big toe points outwards (abduction) and turns around its axis (valgus). More common in women than in men.
Influencing factors are: heredity, footwear (high heels cause instability in the base joint of the big toe, narrow pointed shoes already push the toe outwards), the way you walk (overpronation increases the abduction and the valgus position of the big toe), very supple feet have more chance to develop a hallux valgus.
Treatment is best done before other joints start showing abnormalities (hammer position of the second toe, painful metatarsals/forequarters). In the early stages, it is recommended to slow down the evolution by wearing sturdy, sufficiently wide shoes. Custom made podiatric insoles can slow down the evolution of the anomaly but cannot stop it. When the deviation does develop and the patient suffers from pain, secondary complaints in the forefoot, midfoot and deformations or deviations of little toes, surgical intervention is required.