How to treat a bump on the big toe

A bump on the foot, a bone, a growth on the big toe or hallux valgus deformity of the big toe is a curvature of the bones of the foot. This pathology is very common, it can be diagnosed at different stages of development in every second woman after 40 years. The protruding bone on the leg is not only a cosmetic defect. In addition to refusing elegant shoes with high heels, a woman will face more serious problems - pain and burning at the end of the day, fatigue even after a short load, discomfort when wearing any shoes. In addition, due to the redistribution of body weight and friction in unusual areas of the skin, corns are formed on the feet and some fingers. In the area of ​​the bump itself, rubbing appears, a convex bone can become inflamed and hurt. To avoid all these consequences, you need to start treatment on time. With timely access to a doctor, hallux valgus deformities of the feet and thumb can be stopped.

Causes of the formation of bumps on the big toe

But where does this bump come from? Why do some women boast well-groomed and beautiful legs until they’re old, while others already suffer from protruding bones at 30? There are many factors that can cause a predisposition to the development of pathology.

1. Wearing uncomfortable and narrow shoes. This also includes the constant wearing of high-heeled shoes. When we put on high beautiful shoes, the foot assumes an unnatural position. The ankle is changing, he has to take on the whole body weight, which is not typical for him. From such a heavy load, the bones are deformed. This is especially true when a woman spends in high heels all day. Inconvenient and cramped shoes are one of the main conditions for the appearance of a bump on the foot.
2. Another important factor is heredity. Surprisingly, the predisposition to hallux valgus is transmitted genetically. If your parents have a similar ailment, you need to get involved in the prevention of foot deformities as early as possible in order to protect yourself from such a development of events.
3. The development of the disease is aggravated and accelerated in the presence of excess weight. With excess body weight, the load on the feet increases, as a result - the bones are deformed even more.
4. Women are more prone to hallux valgus than men. This is due to the wearing of high-heeled shoes, as well as hormonal changes. After each birth and lactation, a woman is washed out of the body a huge amount of calcium. Because of this, bones become more fragile and supple. In this case, the deformation develops much faster. In men, the bump on the leg is most often associated with injury and contusion of the foot.
5. If you have flat feet, you are at risk. Improper foot position leads to valgus over time.
6. Various bone diseases are another serious predisposition for deformity of the big toe. Bursitis, arthritis, arthrosis, osteoporosis - with such diagnoses of valgus, the curvature of the toe is not uncommon.
7. A bump on the leg most often appears in people whose profession is associated with prolonged standing. Hairdressers, sellers, cooks - these specialties are at risk. If you work in such a production, you must have a chair nearby so that during a moment of rest you can sit down at least for a while. Such a pathology is often an occupational disease of ballerinas.

In addition, the lifestyle you lead is important. If a person does not move much, his muscular corset weakens, the bones are simply not able to withstand the increased load.

The degree of development of the disease

Depending on the degree of curvature, different stages of the development of the disease are distinguished.

1. The first degree is the most insignificant. This is a slight curvature, which is already noticeable, but so far does not cause any inconvenience. If a first degree of valgus curvature of the big toe is detected, treatment should be started to prevent the development of pathology.
2. This displacement of the leg joint is not more than 30 degrees. Such a curvature causes pain after walking, burning in the feet, discomfort after a working day. Usually pain quickly pass.
3. In the third stage of development, the angle of curvature of the thumb joint is 30-50 degrees. At this stage of the development of the disease, pain appears even with slight physical exertion, the lump can become inflamed, turns red, corns and corns appear on it.
4. The fourth stage of the disease is the last. This is hallux valgus deformity, which makes an angle of more than 50 degrees. This is a serious pathology, pain occurs even at rest. The bump is so pronounced that picking up shoes is almost impossible. Walking becomes very difficult, from any physical activity serious corns appear on the feet. An inflammatory process develops in the joint bag, which leads to redness, swelling and pain.

Hallux valgus may be asymmetric. That is, it is not necessary that the bones on both legs will be deformed equally.

How to treat a bump on the leg with clamps

Various types of fixatives are the most effective way to stop the deformation process, and sometimes to return the joint to its previous position. The clamps can be silicone or plastic, with various design solutions. Some of them have a separator between the first and second fingers, others have the ability to adjust depending on the degree of curvature. But their main purpose is to clearly fix the thumb in the correct position, that is, directly. Such clips should be worn as often as possible, at least 6 hours a day. Often they are worn at night, although such treatment is less effective, since the foot is at rest. Some retainer models are so thin and transparent that they are easy to put on with shoes.

In addition, the patient is shown orthopedic shoes. It is quite rigid, therefore, does not allow the joint to “bulge out” when walking more than what is permitted. Such shoes not only corrects the bone, but also relieves pain, relieves discomfort and burning sensation. In orthopedic shoes, an arch support is provided, which is very useful for flat feet. He redistributes the body weight correctly, so that most of it falls on the heel, and the rest is on the arch of the foot. Special orthopedic shoes have special soft pads at the site of hallux valgus. These pads protect the joint from abrasion, corns and inflammation.

Gymnastics against bone on the leg

Strengthening and training ligaments and joints is another effective way to stop deformation and reduce the angle of the thumb. Here are some exercises you can do at home yourself. To do this, sit on a flat surface, stretch your legs forward.

1. Pull your socks towards you and away from you as far as possible.
2. The following exercise is similar to the first, but in this case, the feet remain motionless. We pull only fingers to and from ourselves, the foot itself is in one position.
3. Try to squeeze all your toes as tight as possible. After that, open your fingers as much as possible with a fan.
4. We sit on the floor, legs stretched out in front of us.Turn your feet to each other, your fingers should be squeezed, your knees should not be moved. Try to touch the toes of one leg with the toes of the second leg.
5. Take a sheet of paper and try to crumple it as tightly as possible with your toes.
6. Take small items - a spoon, tennis ball, handkerchief. Try to take these objects with your feet in turn.

Each exercise should be done at least 10-15 times. This will strengthen the muscular system and ligaments. The foot will be better supported by the muscles and the process of joint distortion will stop. It is also very useful to walk barefoot.

Massage and physiotherapy

A direct effect on the skin of the feet and joints is also very effective with hallux valgus deformity of the big toe. With the help of massage, you can improve blood circulation in the feet, stretch the ligaments, make them more mobile.

The real result in the process of correcting valgus can be obtained if the massage is done by a specialist. But if there is no time or money for it, you can do the massage yourself. It will be better if someone from your home helps you, as self-massage is less effective. You need to take any cosmetic or massage oil and stretch your foot well. After that, walk your entire foot with your fist - this way you improve blood circulation in the tissues. Be sure to stretch your entire foot with your fingers - from the tips of your fingers to the heel. Use circular, rubbing, kneading and patting movements. Especially carefully and carefully should knead the bump.

Treatment of bumps on the big toe is effective also with the help of physiotherapy. Electrophoresis sends to the joints impulses of a certain frequency, which accelerate blood circulation in the tissues, stimulate the work of nerve endings. In addition, mud baths, Darsonval, and ultrasound are used.

Professional treatment of bumps on the big toe

If joint deformation is accompanied by inflammation, anti-inflammatory drugs inside are used. In addition, the bone itself is treated with ointments and gels that relieve redness, swelling and pain. If the pain is very strong, in some cases a decision is made to inject hormonal drugs into the joint by injection. They block the nerve endings and the person does not feel pain and discomfort.

If the deformity is significant, surgery is used. The operation is aimed at restoring the natural position of the thumb. There is no need to be afraid of surgery; today it is very common. Depending on the specific case, a part of the joint, phalanx or metatarsal bone is removed. Sometimes an implant is inserted into the patient.

Another way to professionally treat bumps is with a laser. High-frequency rays, as it were, grind the excess surface of the bone and restore its natural shape. The method is very effective.

Some patients try to get rid of the bumps on the leg by using folk recipes. This is actually a big mistake. No lotions and compresses can not change the shape of a curved joint. Along with lost hopes, precious time is spent, during which deformation is usually exacerbated. Be prudent and attentive to yourself!

Video: bone on the big toe - what to do