Treatment of cones on the legs of the thumb without surgery

Valgus deformity of the feet is a fairly common problem, which most often affects the phalanges of the thumbs. Such a disease is not only a cosmetic defect. It also brings a lot of inconvenience to a person. So how does the treatment of the cones on the legs look like on the thumb? What symptoms are accompanied by the disease and why does it occur? Many people are interested in answering these questions.

What is a bump on the big toe?

A cone or bone at the base of the thumb is associated with a gradual deformation of the joint, resulting in the bones of the phalanges of the fingers being displaced. It is worth noting that such a disease is considered quite common. The most exposed to him are women of mature age.

Deformation is a long process. And if you notice the presence of changes in the early stages, it is likely to correct the situation without the help of surgeons. Unfortunately, most patients perceive the ailment as a minor aesthetic discomfort and seek help from a specialist already at later stages of the disease, when the deformation leads to the appearance of pains, inflammation and movement restrictions.

Cones on the feet of the thumb: the causes of the appearance

In fact, there are many factors under the influence of which such a disease develops. Before considering the treatment of cones on the legs of the thumb, it is worthwhile to understand the main causes of their occurrence.

1. In the first place, it is worth noting the genetic predisposition.
2. As already mentioned, most often deformity is diagnosed in women. Men account for only 2% of patients.
3. The main risk factors include the constant wearing of uncomfortable shoes, in particular, shoes with a narrow toe and a high, unstable hairpin.
4. Provoking the development of deformity can also be overweight.
5. Workers, whose profession requires a long standing or walking, are also often prone to such a disease.
6. One of the potentially dangerous factors is the presence of endocrine diseases, including diabetes.
7. Much more often valgus deformity is diagnosed in elderly people.

Cones on the legs of the thumb: photos, symptoms and stages of the development of the disease

Deformation is a chronic process. Such a disease can develop for several years. To date, it is common to distinguish several stages of the disease:

• At the first stages there is a slight shift of the first phalanx towards the others. As a rule, at this stage there is no physical discomfort, and small bones on the legs are perceived only as an aesthetic defect.
• At the second stage there are already very noticeable cones on the legs of the thumb. The photo shows what this deformation looks like. In this case, not only the first but also the second finger is rejected. Patients often complain of discomfort, which is aggravated when wearing uncomfortable shoes, as well as prolonged standing, walking, and physical exertion.
• The third stage of deformation is characterized by severe pain. At the same time, you can notice the curvature of all toes. A person is constantly worried about pain, which often occurs even in a state of rest. This greatly limits the freedom of movement. It is often possible to notice inflammation of the affected joint, which is accompanied by swelling, sharp pain and reddening of the skin.

Briefly about the methods of early diagnosis

Of course, in later stages, the cone under the big toe or from the inside of the foot is visually visible. But even in those cases, if the diagnosis leaves no doubt, you need x-ray images of the foot in three projections. This helps to establish the presence of deformity, determine its degree, and also to see abnormal bone proliferation, etc.

In some cases, computer graphics are additionally carried out. This is a fairly simple procedure, in which a footprint is taken using a special platform. Such a study helps determine the degree of stress on different parts of the feet.

In the early stages, the presence of deformation can be determined using computer-assisted metering, which takes into account changes in the gait of a person. But biomechanical studies help to diagnose pathology even in the period of preclinical stages of development. In any case, it is worth remembering that the correct diagnosis depends on how effective will the treatment of cones on the legs of the thumb.

Is it possible to medicate valgus deformity?

Today many people are interested in questions about whether it is possible to treat cones on the feet of the thumb with the help of medications. As already mentioned, this pathology is associated with gradual deformation of the joints, therefore, there are no effective medicines that can stop this process.

Nevertheless, in some cases, complex therapy includes taking medications. Basically, they are used to relieve pain, and also to combat the inflammatory process. Therefore, taking drugs is a way to eliminate the consequences that the bumps on the legs of the thumb lead.

Ointment used with Hallux valgus, as a rule, contains anti-inflammatory components. The most effective are steroid (hormonal) gels, ointments and creams that quickly remove redness and swelling, reduce soreness and stop the further development of the inflammatory process, thereby facilitating the patient's condition. But without other therapeutic measures, deformation can not be eliminated.

Conservative methods of treatment

Many people are interested in the question of whether it is possible to treat cones on the legs of a thumb without surgery. Of course, conservative therapy is effective, but only if it was started in the early stages of the disease.

What is included in such treatment? Complex therapy consists of many different activities. In particular, the doctor will make up for you an individual complex of gymnastic exercises that will strengthen the muscles of the arch of the foot. There are also various orthopedic devices that will be described below.

In addition, treatment includes regular sessions of foot massage. This helps improve blood circulation and nutrition of tissues. Various methods of physiotherapy are used, for example, phonophoresis, paraffin applications, electrophoresis with novocaine, etc., as well as sanatorium treatment. If you are overweight, a specialist will recommend a diet. Of course, you will have to give up shoes with stilettos. The heel must be firm and low.

Gymnastics with valgus deformity of the thumb

Unfortunately, many people are familiar with such a problem as the bumps on the feet of the thumb. Gymnastics in such a disease is an important part of treatment, as well as prevention. First of all, it should be noted that the complex of therapeutic physical training is selected by the treating orthopedist depending on the stage of the disease development.

However, for the most part, these exercises are very simple. For example, many experts recommend walking barefoot as often as possible.

Here are some more effective exercises:

1. For several minutes, alternately walk on the toes, heels and the outside of the feet (but in no case can not rely on the inner side of the foot, where the "bones" are located).
2. Sit on the floor, lean your hands, and stretch your legs in front of you. Now alternately pull the socks forward, and then back.
3. Throw a small object on the floor, for example, a key or pencil. Now try to lift it using your toes. There is another useful and simple exercise: try to crumple a sheet of paper with your toes.

It is worthwhile to understand that exercise therapy will provide the desired effect only if the exercises you perform regularly.

Orthopedic devices for correction of deformation

Conservative therapy must necessarily include the use of special orthopedic devices that provide equalization of the bent bones and joints, and also redistribute the load on those or other parts of the foot.

In particular, special orthopedic insoles, interdigital ridges and insteps are considered quite popular, which can be worn together with shoes. More details about these devices will be told to you by an orthopedist who will choose the most suitable model.

In addition, there are special orthopedic tires that are convenient to use: with their help you can fix the thumb in the correct position, thereby not only preventing further deformation, but also leveling the phalanx.

Are there effective folk remedies?

Is it possible at home to eliminate the bumps on the legs of the thumb? Folk remedies, of course, exist, but it should be noted immediately that with their help it is impossible to eliminate the existing deformation. In any case, even in the early stages of the disease, a specialist's consultation is simply necessary: without a diagnosis and examination it is impossible to draw up the correct treatment regimen.

On the other hand, complex therapy may include some folk remedies. For example, some experts recommend every day to make special foot baths. When preparing the solution, use a tablespoon of salt and 10 drops of iodine solution per liter of water.

There are many recipes for making compresses. For example, folk medicine men recommend to apply a cabbage leaf, smeared with honey, to the affected joint. It must be fixed on the leg with a bandage and left for the night. A good effect is also a compress made from burdock leaves, oiled with turpentine. In addition, propolis and grated potatoes are considered quite effective.

It should be noted that these drugs have a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect. They help alleviate pain and redness, but do not affect the process of deformation. And do not forget that before starting the application of this or that folk methods of treatment should consult with a specialist about this.

Surgery for valgus deformity

Unfortunately, not always conservative medicine is able to eliminate the bumps on the feet of the thumb. Operation in such cases is the only alternative. Surgical intervention, as a rule, is prescribed in the late stages of deformation or in the event that conservative treatment does not give the desired effect and the process of deformation of bones continues.

To date, there are more than 200 different methods of surgical removal of such a defect. This can be surgery on both soft and bone tissues. The choice of the procedure depends on the degree of deformation, as well as the features of the course of the disease. For example, in some cases, removal of bone growths is carried out. Sometimes a doctor can additionally remove certain parts of the bone. In some cases, the surgeon restores the normal position of bones and tendons, and then fixes them with the help of special metal screws.

The length of the rehabilitation period depends on the complexity of the procedure performed. With all the recommendations of the doctor and the availability of appropriate prevention, the probability of relapse is minimized.

Prevention of deformation

Undoubtedly, prevention in this case is extremely important, especially when it comes to people prone to such diseases. Therefore, doctors recommend avoiding exposure to risk factors. In particular, it is necessary to refuse wearing uncomfortable shoes, and in the presence of a genetic inclination, and at all give preference to special orthopedic models.

It is also important to monitor body weight, since excess kilograms are an additional burden on the foot joints. And do not forget about the proper care of your feet: regular warm baths, massage, gymnastics, walking barefoot, etc.