What will happen if you get old with hallux valgus?

If hallux valgus is not treated at an early stage, it may lead to increased pain, difficulty walking, and complications such as arthritis as you age, and in severe cases, it may even have a significant impact on your quality of life. It is recommended to maintain healthy foot habits, wear orthotics, and choose surgery if necessary.

1) Analysis of the impact and causes of hallux valgus

Hallux valgus is a chronic process, often caused by long-term wearing of inappropriate shoes (such as high heels, pointed shoes), genetics or abnormal foot structure. Aging can aggravate related symptoms, such as swelling and pain in the big toe joint, and even develop chronic inflammation, leading to limited joint movement. As bones weaken and soft tissues degenerate with aging, the problem may become more complicated.

2) The harm of aging to hallux valgus

- Increased pain: Elderly people with hallux valgus may experience persistent pain due to aggravated deformity of the toe joints. This pain is not limited to the toes, but may spread to the soles of the feet or calves, causing discomfort in other parts of the body.

-Difficulty walking: Severe hallux valgus can lead to abnormal gait, increase the risk of falls in the elderly, and may limit the range of motion in the long term, affecting daily independent living.

-Complications such as arthritis: Over time, increased friction in the toe joints may lead to osteoarthritis, which can cause irreversible cartilage damage within the joints. Structural deformities in the foot may also lead to the formation of corns or calluses, further exacerbating discomfort.

3) Treatment and relief methods

- Footwear intervention: Choose loose-fitting shoes to avoid aggravating the pressure of hallux valgus, and use arch support pads in the shoes to improve gait and reduce pain.

-Nonsurgical treatment: Older adults can maintain proper toe alignment by wearing toe braces or hallux valgus night splints. This conservative treatment is particularly effective for early symptoms.

-Physical therapy and exercise: You can try local heat, ice or big toe stretching exercises to relieve local swelling and pain. For example, use your fingers to gently pull the big toe outwards and repeat for 5 to 10 minutes.

-Surgical intervention: For severe hallux valgus in the elderly, surgical correction can be considered, such as oblique osteotomy of the distal segment, wedge osteotomy of the proximal segment, or combined correction of hallux valgus. The appropriate operation should be selected based on the degree of deformity and individual circumstances.

As you age, the discomfort and dysfunction of hallux valgus may gradually worsen, so you need to pay enough attention to it. If you find that the condition is getting worse, it is recommended to consult an orthopedic doctor as soon as possible to avoid more serious health problems caused by long-term delay. Active treatment and prevention can effectively improve the quality of life in old age.