Hallux (= big toe) valgus (= position of the toe inward).
This happens, among other things, due to laxity of the ligaments, usually in women (at least twice as much as in men). This can be congenital (familial) or caused by wearing narrow shoes too often. People with flat feet are also more likely to have hallux valgus.
Because the big toe comes in, there is irritation and friction in the shoe and extra bone is created on the side (= bunion or painful lump).
The deviation of the big toe is initially stopped by the second toe. After some time, this one is also pushed away (upward or downward) and the toes start to cross each other.
The most frequent complaint is a painful bunion or lump as it rubs in the shoe. Finding comfortable footwear is therefore not easy.
Sometimes the entire joint becomes inflamed, causing swelling and redness.
A hallux valgus is a progressive deformity and develops over years. Nevertheless, we also see very young people with such a deformity. It is then mostly a familial condition.
