The big toe joint protrudes to the outside of the body (valgus position) and remains this way permanently. Hallux valgus is usually caused by shoes that are too high and too tight, and there is often a family predisposition.

Sometimes it hurts a lot, sometimes not

The skin in this area is often reddened and very thickened. Sometimes it looks as if new bone has formed. Some people experience severe pain in the big toe even if it is only slightly pronounced, while others hardly complain at all, even if the deformity is very severe.

10 million people are affected

Women aged 50 and over are most commonly affected. According to estimates, around ten million people in Germany suffer from hallux valgus.

Osteoarthritis can develop over the years

In many cases, hallux valgus is mainly a cosmetic problem. However, due to the constant pressure and the resulting chronic inflammation of the skin and the metatarsophalangeal joint, the pain can become increasingly severe over the years. In the worst case, the cartilage in the toe joint is damaged so severely over time that osteoarthritis develops after a few years.

Surgery is sometimes the last resort

The orthopaedist first prescribes a hallux valgus splint, padding, insoles and foot and toe exercises. If it is not possible to achieve a normal position of the joint in this way, surgery can help.