Beware If Your Shoe Heel Is Higher Than 6 Cm

Turkchem 03 Jul 2019 62 2 dk okuma

TURKCHEM

Research has shown that wearing shoes with heels higher than 6 centimeters increases the risk of hallux valgus development by approximately 2.5 times. Op. Dr. Ahmet Güray Batmaz from the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology at Memorial Ataşehir Hospital provided important information about hallux valgus disease, which occurs 20 times more frequently in women than in men, and treatment methods.

The Great Toe Slides Outward Along the Metatarsal Bone

In hallux valgus, where the great toe turns outward and appears as a prominence, many patients may believe an extra bone has formed in their foot. However, this is not the formation of another bone in the foot but rather the result of the great toe beginning to slide outward along the metatarsal bone, making the metatarsal bone more pronounced. While hallux valgus frequently affects women, it can also occur in men and even young patients. In cases occurring in children, maximum deformity typically develops by age 10, and although the progression slows after the initial 10 years, yearly increases continue.

Shoe Selection Is Very Important

Hallux valgus may progress painlessly in some patients, while in others, particularly when wearing pointed-toe heeled shoes, it can cause severe pain. Callus formation on the sole of the foot in hallux valgus that negatively affects daily life may be a sign of the condition's persistence. Flat feet and excessively flexible joints can create conditions predisposing to hallux valgus. If the patient also has genetic predisposition to hallux valgus, the shoe selection process may accelerate its development.

Heel Height Should Be Limited to 6 Centimeters

Research demonstrates that wearing shoes with heels higher than 6 cm, even if the shoe has a wide toe box, can pose a risk for hallux valgus development. Workers who wear high-heeled shoes have approximately 2.5 times greater risk of developing hallux valgus compared to those who wear flat shoes. Long-term use of pointed-toe and heeled shoes further increases the risk of hallux valgus development.

Night Splints Reduce Pain But Do Not Provide Treatment

Night splints or toe spacers used in the treatment of hallux valgus can reduce the pain experienced. However, these applications do not have a positive effect on the degree of deformity occurring in the toe. Nevertheless, the use of minimalist running shoes, known for their performance similar to barefoot running, can improve load distribution on the feet.

Hallux Valgus Surgery Must Be Individualized

Surgical intervention is the definitive treatment for hallux valgus disease. Following hallux valgus surgery, load distribution on the sole of the foot approaches that of healthy individuals. Gait analyses conducted after surgery show marked improvements between 6 months and 1 year. When planning hallux valgus surgery, the following factors must be evaluated and the procedure planned accordingly: