In this blog post, we’ll examine the causes and symptoms of hallux valgus, the risks associated with certain lifestyle habits, and methods for prevention and treatment—and explore what you should focus on to protect your foot health in your daily life.
With the widespread use of high heels and pointed-toe shoes, feet—regardless of gender—are under a great deal of pressure. In addition, as interest in health has grown, more people are enjoying active leisure activities such as walking, hiking, and sports. However, due to these lifestyle factors and footwear habits, a significant number of people suffer from bunions, which are more common in women but can also occur in men. Hallux valgus, a condition affecting many people these days, is a disorder in which the alignment of the bones in the big toe and the forefoot changes, causing the big toe to bend toward the second toe.
Hallux valgus manifests as the big toe leaning toward the second toe, with the joint at the base of the big toe protruding inward toward the side of the foot. Wearing high heels or pointed, narrow shoes can cause the toes to be compressed to fit the shape of the shoe, potentially intensifying pain and pressure. In particular, ill-fitting shoes can exacerbate symptoms in people with hallux valgus. As hallux valgus progresses, it can affect the function of the big toe, and as body weight is redistributed to other parts of the foot, pain may also occur in the sole or other toes. Changes in gait can also place strain on other areas of the body, such as the ankles, knees, and lower back.
As with other medical conditions, it is important to identify hallux valgus early on. While there are many treatments and corrective devices available for people with hallux valgus, these devices generally serve to reduce pain and pressure and help manage symptoms rather than eliminating the deformity itself. Non-surgical treatments, such as wearing wide, comfortable shoes or using insoles, toe spreaders, and pads, can also help alleviate symptoms. Having bunions does not necessarily mean you need surgery; surgery should be considered only if pain persists or if it significantly interferes with daily life or the ability to wear shoes. Surgical methods vary depending on the severity of the deformity and the condition of the foot; procedures such as osteotomy, which corrects the position of the bone, may be performed. Since recovery after surgery requires time and money, and there is a possibility of recurrence or pain, the decision to undergo surgery should be made carefully. Therefore, it is important to manage lifestyle habits to prevent bunions and to seek early evaluation when symptoms appear.
One of the main lifestyle habits that can contribute to hallux valgus is wearing shoes that do not fit properly. In fact, since the shape of each person’s foot varies and shoe manufacturers produce a wide range of shoe styles, choosing shoes based solely on foot length increases the likelihood of wearing shoes that do not fit properly. In particular, shoes with a narrow toe box or those that squeeze the toes can exacerbate pain and discomfort in people with bunions. Therefore, when buying shoes, it is important to consider not only the length of the foot but also the width of the toe box, the space available for the toes to move, and the shape of the foot to select shoes that fit properly.
Additionally, people in professions that require prolonged standing—such as teachers or hotel staff—need to pay even closer attention to foot health, as their feet are subjected to constant strain. Therefore, it is important for people in these professions to check the condition of their feet frequently and choose shoes that do not strain them. The problem with hallux valgus is that early detection is crucial, yet it is difficult to notice on one’s own. Men are often unfamiliar with hallux valgus, and women, too, may lack sufficient accurate information about this condition. Furthermore, hallux valgus often involves a gradual shift in the position of the big toe; even if pain or discomfort appears in the early stages, people tend to get used to it as they go about their daily lives and easily dismiss the symptoms as insignificant. However, if you wait to see a doctor until the pain becomes severe or the condition has progressed to the point where it’s difficult to wear shoes, treatment can become more complicated. Therefore, if you notice a change in the direction of your big toe, a gradual bulge at the inner joint of the foot, or recurring pain or friction when wearing shoes, it’s best to have your condition accurately assessed at a medical facility.
One way to assess the progression of hallux valgus on your own is to observe the shape of your foot and the alignment of your big toe at regular intervals. Periodically examining the shape of your foot—such as by tracing its outline on graph paper and recording any changes—can help you determine whether there have been changes compared to before. However, since this method alone cannot determine the exact severity or progression of hallux valgus, it is necessary to visit a doctor for an examination if the shape of your foot changes noticeably or if pain and discomfort increase. In some cases, the severity of hallux valgus is difficult to determine based on appearance alone; if necessary, the condition is assessed through a medical examination and imaging tests.
The big toe plays a crucial role in walking and movement. To use a house as an analogy, it acts as a pillar. If this pillar fails to function properly, the foot’s balance can be disrupted, and problems with foot function can lead to discomfort in daily life. Hallux valgus is a condition that can affect this balance and function of the foot. This condition can progress over time, and it may be difficult to notice the initial changes in daily life. However, by paying a little attention to your feet and examining your shoes and lifestyle habits, you can help manage symptoms and reduce discomfort. In addition to taking care of your visible health, it’s important to pay attention to the health of your feet and big toes, which quietly support your body.
