Hallux valgus is the most common disease of the forefoot. Its etiology remains unclear, but is influenced by genetics. This condition can cause incapacitating and even disabling problems. It can have several presentations, the clinical and radiological severity of which will guide the treatment.
The level of evidence regarding first-line management remains poor. This article aims to explore the conservative treatment possibilities and their limits, and attempts to provide answers to the questions most frequently asked by patients.
Patients with mild to moderate hallux valgus, or severe hallux valgus, can have their pain relieved without surgical management. It is not yet established that conservative treatment can actually slow down disease progression, but future studies could explore this possibility.
Conservative treatment is based on adapting the footwear, wearing insoles or orthoses, physiotherapy, level I analgesics, as well as lifestyle and dietary adaptations.
In patients who do not respond to conservative treatment and have significant deformity, surgical treatment can be proposed. This treatment yields a satisfaction rate of approximately 80%
What is already known about this topic?
- Hallux valgus is a condition that can be truly disabling. Despite its high incidence, conservative treatment remains poorly known and little studied.
- Surgical treatment is associated with a rather high satisfaction rate, despite possible complications.
- There are solutions to temporize the situation and relieve the symptoms.
What does this article bring up for us?
- An overview of current recommendations and the latest research in the field.
- First-line treatment options.
- An overview of the most common surgical techniques.
- Useful information to deliver to the patient in the first line.
Key Words
Hallux valgus, conservative treatment