Hallux Valgus Deformity

Causes of Hallux Valgus

The condition can develop in both children and adults. The main causes include congenital connective tissue weakness, genetic predisposition, prolonged wearing of narrow or uncomfortable shoes, high heels, as well as joint injuries and inflammatory diseases.

Risk Factors

• Flat feet

• Excess body weight

• Occupational stress on the feet (e.g., salespeople, dancers, athletes)

• Wearing shoes with a narrow toe box

• Age-related changes

Symptoms of Hallux Valgus

In the early stages, patients may notice mild discomfort, leg fatigue, and rubbing in the area of the big toe. As the deformity progresses, symptoms include:

• A protruding bump at the base of the toe

• Redness and swelling

• Calluses and corns

• Limited joint mobility

• Changes in gait

If the deformity is not corrected, pain intensifies, the position of the other toes is affected, and inflammation of the joints and soft tissues may develop.

Classification and Stages of Hallux Valgus

Stages are determined by the angle of deviation of the big toe and the first metatarsal bone:

• Mild — up to 20°

• Moderate — 20–40°

• Severe — more than 40°

In severe cases, the entire shape of the foot is altered, making footwear selection and walking difficult.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the condition, the doctor conducts a visual examination, palpation, gait analysis, and patient interview. X-rays of the feet in different projections are mandatory — they help assess the degree of deformity and related changes in the joints and bones.

Treatment Methods for Hallux Valgus

Conservative Treatment

In early stages, non-surgical treatment may be effective:

• Use of orthopedic insoles and toe spacers

• Massage and physiotherapy

• Therapeutic exercises to strengthen foot muscles

• Switching to anatomically correct footwear

Conservative methods help slow the progression and relieve pain, but they do not eliminate the root cause.

Surgical Treatment

In cases of pronounced deformity, surgery remains the only effective method of correction. Modern surgical techniques are minimally invasive and allow restoration of proper foot shape with minimal trauma.

Percutaneous Correction

This is a minimally invasive method without large incisions, where bones are aligned through small punctures. Advantages include fast recovery, no visible scars, and minimal postoperative pain.

How Is the Surgery Performed?

Preoperative Preparation

The patient undergoes a preoperative examination including blood tests, ECG, and consultations with specialists. Surgery is scheduled only if no contraindications are found.

The Surgery

The choice of technique depends on the stage of the deformity. In percutaneous correction, the surgeon performs precise bone realignment under X-ray guidance with minimal intervention.

Postoperative Care

Immediately after surgery, the patient can carefully stand and walk in special postoperative shoes. Hospital stay is 1–2 days, followed by outpatient observation and rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation After Surgery

The recovery period lasts 4–6 weeks and includes:

• Wearing special offloading footwear

• Performing exercises to restore mobility

• Physiotherapy

• Follow-up exams and X-rays

It is essential to follow all medical recommendations to avoid recurrence.

Prognosis and Prevention

The prognosis after surgery is favorable — patients return to normal life, and pain and deformity are eliminated. To prevent recurrence, it is recommended to:

• Wear comfortable shoes with a wide toe box and low heels

• Use orthopedic insoles

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Strengthen foot muscles through exercise and massage

How MARUS Helps

The MARUS platform helps patients from other countries undergo treatment for hallux valgus deformity in Russia — from diagnosis to rehabilitation. We work with leading clinics in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other cities that offer modern surgical and conservative correction methods.

MARUS handles the entire organization process: selecting a doctor, issuing an invitation, providing support in Russian, Chinese, or Arabic, transfers, and assistance with documentation. Patients do not need to worry about logistics — they receive access to top-tier medical care and full service.

This ensures recovery takes place in comfortable conditions with reliable and predictable results.