Hallux Varus

Hallux varus is a type of foot deformity that causes the tip of the big toe to point inward, away from the other toes on the feet.

People with hallux varus may have difficulty walking and wearing shoes. When the condition is mild it can be treated with stretching or splints, but if the condition progresses and causes serious pain, surgical intervention is often necessary.

Hallux varus can be caused by trauma or congenital factors. Some people are born with a foot structure that predisposes them to a hallux varus foot deformity. Loss of the sesamoid bone can also cause a muscular imbalance in the foot that leads to drifting of the toe.

One of the primary causes of hallux varus is rupture of the ligament at the metatarso-phalangeal (MTP or toe) joint. The condition often occurs as a complication from bunion surgery or occurs from trauma.  It is also one of the possible complications in bunion surgery as a result of unintentional overcorrection.  Another reason for the development of a hallux varus is too much contracture or thickening of the medial capsule/ligament (part of the anatomy on the side where the bunion used to be) will also cause drifting of the toe, and varus deformity.

The Procedure

Mild hallux varus deformities can be treated with non-surgical methods. The goal of treatment is to reduce discomfort and symptoms associated with the deformity.

Non-surgical hallux varus treatment options include: Anti-inflammatory medications, Custom orthotics, Physical therapy (stretching the tendons in the toe), Steroid injections., and Toe splints.

When a hallux varus deformity progresses, your physician may recommend surgery to correct the structural problem in your foot. Surgical treatments of hallux varus include: Osteotomy, Sesamoidectomy, Capsule Release, and Tendon transfers.

Possible Complications Related to Hallux Varus Surgery

Recurrence
There is a chance that the hallux varus deformity can recur.