Bone on the big toe

When should you sound the alarm?

“Bone” or “bump on the foot” is considered a problem for older people. In children and adolescents, hallux valgus is less common. A small, but long-lasting swelling of the thumb joint should alert you. Often this point is overlooked when a seal is discovered on the bone. Many (especially women who prefer stilettos) mistake the lump for a callus or corn. However, if you are vigilant at this stage and acquire the correct unloading insoles, then the development of pathology can be slowed down.

What are the benefits of Extempo custom made orthotics? The insole takes into account the slightest anatomical features of the foot. At the same time, when taking an impression using thermoforming pads and selecting a workpiece, the technician takes into account the predisposition to the appearance of a bone or an existing deformation. Thus, the insole “unloads” the feet, removing the load from the forefoot.

It’s worth taking a closer look at your feet and when shoes of the right size suddenly become narrow: with “halius valgus,” the front part of the foot becomes wider due to the growing “bump.”

Do a simple test:

1. take off your shoes and sit on a chair;

2. Place your feet straight and next to each other.

The toes should lie flat and straight, maintaining a gap between them. If the thumb lies close to the neighboring one, creeps “on” or “under” it, then it’s time to consult an orthopedist.

If a bone grows on your foot

Why does a bunion grow and how to deal with it?

A bunion is the main sign of hallux valgus, which, before pain occurs, is perceived by many patients as a cosmetic defect. It is possible to eliminate a bunion using conservative methods only at the initial stage of development of the pathology, therefore, if a lump appears in the area of the big toe, it is recommended to contact an orthopedist who will conduct a diagnosis and select appropriate treatment methods.

Causes of pitting

Hallux valgus is a common disease that occurs mainly in middle-aged and elderly women living in Europe and America. This peculiarity of the spread of this pathology is associated with the specifics of women's shoes in these regions - back in 1852, Dr. Brock noted that in most cases, bunions grow in those people who wear shoes that are incorrect from an orthopedic point of view.

A bone grows on the foot near the big toe when:

improper distribution of the load on the foot (occurs when wearing models with high heels or models with flat soles);
tightening of the foot in front (occurs when wearing models with narrow toes or simply tight shoes).

If the load on the foot is incorrect, the angle between the first and second metatarsal bones of the big toe gradually increases. At the same time, the ligaments that hold the finger in a normal position are gradually weakened, and the head of the metatarsal bone thickens and begins to shift outward, forming a “bone.”

The protruding part of the head of the bone experiences constant friction when wearing shoes, which provokes further development of the deformity.

The bone in the foot also grows in people whose professional activities involve increased stress on the feet (dancers, waiters, athletes, etc. are at risk).

The growth of bones can be provoked by:

congenital weakness of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus, which does not allow the big toe to be held in a normal position when under load;
chromosomal pathologies and hereditary diseases that are accompanied by joint hypermobility or muscle weakness (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Marfan syndrome, Down syndrome);
injuries to the lower leg and foot that caused bone displacement and inflammation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (inflammation leads to deformation of the joint and bone);
transverse flatfoot, which occurs when the ligamentous apparatus of the foot is weak and causes flattening of its anterior section (can be combined with longitudinal flatfoot);
multiple sclerosis (this autoimmune disease causes inflammation of the joints);
diabetes mellitus, which is accompanied by joint damage and destructive changes in the osseous and ligamentous apparatus of the foot;
gout, in which salt crystals are deposited in the tissues of the body and gouty arthritis develops;
osteoporosis (this systemic skeletal disease is characterized by degenerative changes in bones);
arthritis – joint damage of various etiologies (rheumatoid arthritis, etc.);
diseases that are accompanied by motor disorders (cerebral palsy, polyneuropathy, poliomyelitis).

The bone on the foot near the big toe grows quite slowly. The enlargement of the bunion is accompanied by a gradual deviation of the upper part of the big toe towards the other toes (towards the inside). In the later stages of the disease, such a deviation causes hammertoe deformity and pathological changes in all structures of the foot. In addition, constant pressure from shoes on the bulging area leads to chronic bursitis (inflammation of the joint), which causes severe pain, swelling and general malaise.

At the moderate and severe stages of hallux valgus, the only way to get rid of a bunion is through surgery, so if a bunion grows on your leg, you need to promptly select conservative treatment methods that inhibit the development of the pathology.

What to do if a bone grows on your foot

If a bone grows on the leg, first of all you need to eliminate the factors that provoke the deformation. The main and often the only factor influencing the development of the disease is incorrectly selected shoes.

If a lump appears, it is recommended:

choose shoe models with a heel height of 3-4 cm (shoes with high heels or without heel lift should be avoided);
do not wear narrow models that constrict the forefoot;
wear only shoes that are made from natural materials;
choose orthopedic insoles or orthopedic shoes that prevent further development of the deformity.

A specialist should select orthopedic shoes, as it is necessary to correctly assess all the features of the patient’s foot.

Treatment of pathology with conservative methods includes the use of:

orthopedic products (pads, instep supports, correctors and fixators);
anti-inflammatory drugs (prescribed by a doctor if necessary);
physiotherapy;
massage and physical therapy.

If the bunion grows as a result of systemic, hereditary and metabolic diseases, treatment of the underlying disease is also required.

Only an orthopedic doctor can accurately determine why a bunion is growing on the leg and select effective treatment methods depending on the degree of deformation (if the angle between the first and second metatarsal bones deviates by more than 15 degrees, conservative methods can only stop further growth of the bunion on the leg near the big one). finger).

Daily foot massage helps eliminate bunions and is a prevention of various orthopedic diseases.

With hallux valgus, the bone on the foot grows from the outside, so any non-orthopedic shoes, to one degree or another, injure the protruding part of the head of the metatarsal bone.

To prevent the bone from suffering from friction and pressure, you can use bursoprotectors - special hypoallergenic silicone or gel-fabric pads that cover the bone and prevent the development of inflammation. You can choose a bursoprotector yourself (the best option is a bursoprotector with an interdigital septum, which reliably fixes the first and second toes, which prevents further development of the deformity).

You can also use interdigital rollers, clamps with an interdigital stop, silicone correctors and fabric bandages on your own.

It is advisable to use a rigid clamp to help return the finger to its normal position after consultation with an orthopedist (the design allows you to adjust the tension and change the angle of the thumb).

Bursoprotectors allow you to wear any type of shoe, but high-heeled shoes should be avoided to prevent further development of the deformity.

Physiotherapeutic methods

The growth of the bone can be prevented with the help of physiotherapeutic procedures. In the hospital, for the treatment of hallux valgus, the following is used:

Electrophoresis with calcium. Under the influence of an electric field, calcium preparations applied to the electrode pads penetrate the tissues, accumulate and then distribute throughout the body, which helps reduce inflammation and strengthen the bone structure.
Phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, in which the drug is introduced into the body using ultrasonic waves. Hydrocortisone eliminates joint pain, has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, and is used in the treatment of diseases associated with hallux valgus (idiopathic gout, multiple sclerosis, etc.).
Ozokerite-paraffin applications (heat treatment), which reduce inflammation, eliminate pain and promote tissue regeneration.

Used at home:

medicinal baths;
massage;
therapeutic exercises.

Electrophoresis allows you to deliver the drug directly to the site of inflammation without the use of injections.

Prevention

To prevent bunions from growing, you must:

select shoe models that distribute the load on the foot well;
avoid increased stress on the foot (control body weight, alternate stress on the legs and rest during certain types of activities, etc.);
Do regular foot massages and exercises;
eat right (do not eat spicy and fatty foods, eat foods that help strengthen connective, bone and cartilage tissue);
See a doctor if you have foot injuries and get the necessary treatment.

If a bunion appears, it is recommended to immediately consult an orthopedist, select suitable correctors and do not forget to use them.

Traumatologist-orthopedist (intern) Skulkin Dmitry

UZ "22nd city clinic"

July 23, 2021 Beautiful high heels or comfortable ballet flats and sneakers? Regardless of the choice, all of these shoes are considered incorrect. And the most common consequence of wearing it is the so-called transverse flatfoot, better known as a bunion or bunion on the foot.

In 85% of cases, women aged over 40-50 years see orthopedists with this problem. As a rule, they come when the foot begins to hurt, and not only while wearing uncomfortable shoes, but constantly.

— When walking in heels, the load is on the forefoot. And due to the fact that the toe of the shoe is often narrowed, this creates additional stress. As a result, the fingers are brought together, and the so-called bone or hallux (“first toe”) valgus (“crooked”) appears at the big toe, says Denis Arzhavitsin, a traumatologist-orthopedist at OKB No. 1.

. — Working on your feet and being overweight increases the risk of developing hallux valgus.

Initially, this is a cosmetic defect, but it progresses steadily and over time pain appears - inflammation occurs around the joint. Around the same time, the aging of the joint begins, and arthrosis joins the existing problem.

— The development of the disease begins with the formation of longitudinal-transverse flat feet. Normally, the function of absorbing body weight is performed by the transverse and longitudinal arches. They can be identified on the foot in the place just under the toes and by the indentation on the inside. In response to the flat shape of the lift, the lower extremities redistribute the load. On the foot, the first metatarsal bone rotates towards the middle of the body. The adductor muscle of the thumb stretches and weakens, the influence of the muscles of the abductor group increases, says Denis Anatolyevich.

Heredity also plays a significant role in the occurrence of this disease. If a grandmother or mother has such a lump on her foot, then, most likely, the children will not be able to avoid its manifestation. By the way, in this case, hallux valgus may also appear in men. It's all a matter of the elasticity of the ligamentous apparatus; if for some reason it is weaker, then the bone on the foot can begin to grow even in those who have never walked in high heels.

Bolts

Having noticed a bone on the leg, orthopedists recommend consulting a doctor. But since people come to the appointment with pain and severe deformation, the only treatment option is surgery. There are many operations to correct curvature; in fact, they are divided into two large groups: when they break/cut out a bone or by correcting soft tissues.

“In the initial stages, the bones are not touched, but if the problem is advanced, you have to correct the joint, break the bones, and then use special screws to fix them in the correct position,” explains the doctor.

The healing period for a fracture is 4-5 weeks. But already on the second day, patients can walk independently. Nowadays no one puts on a cast; instead, the leg is fixed in special Baruko shoes. By the way, for the same reason the operation is often performed on both legs at the same time, because the deformity sometimes appears on both feet.

After 3-5 days the patient is sent home. He can do household chores, go to the store, the only condition is not to take off his shoes.

Untreated hallux valgus can lead to very serious health problems. The disease changes the entire shape of the foot. Next, the body load is redistributed to other joints of the legs (ankle, knee, hip). As a consequence: destruction of cartilaginous articular surfaces, arthrosis, curvature of the vertebrae, osteochondrosis, prolapse of intervertebral hernia.

Remove the load

The main thing in preventing foot deformities is wearing the right shoes. In addition, you can use special inserts and insoles to correct the position of the foot, reducing pressure on the toes. Also, in some cases, in order to get rid of bumps on the legs, so-called orthoses are used - they redistribute the load on the damaged joint.

Such inserts can be purchased at almost any pharmacy. The main thing is that before using it, you need to make sure that it actually relieves tension from the damaged area and does not injure the leg even more.

Physical therapy will also help. If your toes feel “stiff”, a little stretching can help relax the muscles and relieve joint pain. Try squeezing your toes, rolling your feet on a tennis ball, and doing a little massage. In order to effectively stretch the damaged joint, stretch your toes as much as possible and hold them in this position for 5 seconds, then squeeze them as much as possible for another 5 seconds, repeat 10 or more times during the day. You can also roll up a soft towel and “roll” the injured finger over it.

What shoes should you wear if you have bunions on your feet?

With a comfortable last that helps minimize stress on the foot;
With soft sole and rigid instep support;
With a comfortable sock that does not squeeze your fingers or cause other inconvenience;
With a non-flat sole, but also with a low heel (optimal height - 2-4 cm);
With anatomically correct insoles.
The use of natural materials is also a mandatory factor.

TO THE POINT

A number of studies have shown that almost half of the world's population suffers from a bunion on the big toe to one degree or another. Other studies have found that the average joint deviation ranges from 23 to 35 percent. In most people, the bone protrudes slightly and does not cause pain.

Women face this problem much more often than men. Women are not recommended to wear heels higher than 5.7 centimeters, as they can contribute to the appearance of a bump.

Bunions most often occur in people over 65 years of age.

Young people can also face this problem. This phenomenon is called teenage callus and most often occurs in girls between 10 and 15 years old. Most often, this tendency is determined genetically and passed on from parents.

This disease can be diagnosed if the thumb deviates from its normal position by more than 15 degrees.

Most often, bunions occur in people who prefer narrow shoes. These include many dancers and athletes.

Surgery for this disease is extremely rarely required. In addition, a number of studies have shown that up to 35 percent of people who have undergone such surgery remain dissatisfied with the result.

Source: Arguments and Facts