Hallux Valgus
When your big toe bends inward and the base becomes painful
Hallux valgus is a condition where the big toe angles inward toward the other toes, and the base of the big toe sticks out on the inner side.
The bump can rub against shoes and cause pain, and walking balance may be affected.
Genetics is the biggest factor -- about 70% of patients have a family history. It is more common in women -- surveys of the general population report it in about 30% of women and about 13% of men.
Shoes alone are not the cause; the condition progresses when external stress is added to a genetic predisposition.
Flat feet, joint laxity, and bone shape can be inherited
The big toe gets squeezed, and the deformity gradually progresses
Foot muscles weaken, losing the ability to support the big toe
Once bone deformity occurs, it does not correct itself naturally
Once bone deformity occurs it will not correct on its own, but changing shoes and doing exercises can help reduce pain. They cannot reverse the deformity itself or reliably stop it from progressing. If surgery is needed, bone healing takes roughly 6-8 weeks, and return to daily activities takes about 6-12 weeks (this varies with the procedure, the severity of the deformity, and the kind of work you do).