At what age can children with hallux valgus be operated on?

The best age for children to undergo hallux valgus surgery is usually after the age of 10. The specific time depends on the severity of the disease, bone development and doctor's evaluation. Hallux valgus is a foot deformity that may be related to factors such as genetics, improper shoe wearing, and abnormal foot structure. Surgery is an effective method for correcting severe hallux valgus, but it must be performed after the bones are relatively mature.

1. Genetic factors

Genetics is one of the important causes of hallux valgus in children. If there is a family history of hallux valgus, the child is at a higher risk of developing the disease. Hereditary hallux valgus may be related to abnormal bone structure of the foot, such as the first metatarsal being too long or inverted. For hereditary hallux valgus, the progression of the disease can be delayed in the early stages by wearing appropriate shoes and using orthotics, but surgical correction is still required in severe cases.

2. Environmental factors

Improper shoe wearing is a common cause of hallux valgus in children. Shoes that are too tight, too narrow or high-heeled will compress the foot and cause hallux valgus. It is recommended that children choose loose and comfortable shoes and avoid wearing hard-soled shoes or high-heeled shoes for a long time. Foot trauma may also cause hallux valgus. Parents need to pay attention to protecting their children's foot health.

3. Physiological factors

Children's foot bones are not fully developed, and their arches and foot muscles are weak, which can easily lead to hallux valgus due to bad posture or excessive weight bearing. Strengthening foot muscle exercises, such as walking barefoot and holding a towel with toes, can help prevent and improve mild hallux valgus.

4. Surgical treatment

Surgery is an effective treatment for severe hallux valgus. Common surgical procedures include:

Soft tissue surgery: Improves the position of the big toe by realigning the ligaments and tendons of the foot.

Osteotomy: Removal of part of the bone to correct a deformity.

Arthrodesis: This is used for severe deformities and restores foot function by fixing the joint.

The surgery should be performed after the child's bones are relatively mature, usually after the age of 10. Rehabilitation training is required after surgery to avoid recurrence.

The treatment of hallux valgus in children should be based on the severity of the condition. Mild hallux valgus can be improved by wearing appropriate shoes, using orthotics, strengthening foot exercises, etc.; severe hallux valgus needs to be corrected by surgery after the bones mature. Parents should pay attention to their children's foot health and seek medical evaluation in time to avoid worsening of the condition.