Hallux valgus is a progressive condition that can eventually lead to arthritis, pain in adjacent toes, and changes in gait. Orthopedist Sergey Krasilnikov explained what methods can slow the process and help avoid surgery in mild cases, reports infohub.kz.
"Can you live your whole life with a bunion and never have it operated on? Yes, you can, but with one important condition: you are willing to accept the limitations it imposes," the doctor notes.
According to the orthopedist, many elderly people live with significant deformity and no pain. They simply choose wider shoes, walk less, and consider it normal.
However, Krasilnikov emphasizes that the absence of pain does not always mean the deformity is not progressing. "Hallux valgus is a progressive disease. Even without pain, it can slowly increase over the years," he explains.
What helps? The orthopedist notes that conservative treatment can help control symptoms. "Orthopedic insoles, proper footwear, exercises, and physical therapy can reduce pain and slow progression," he stresses. For mild to moderate deformity (angle up to 30°), doctors often recommend these methods. Many patients feel relief and live fully without surgery.
"Living with a bunion without surgery is possible. But it's a life of compromises: shoes half a size larger, giving up long walks, and tolerating occasional pain," the orthopedist explains.
What can go wrong? According to the doctor, if you ignore the problem, the bunion will continue to grow. The deviation angle may increase, pain in adjacent toes may appear, and joint arthritis may develop. Your gait will change, load distribution will shift, and over the years this can affect your knees and back. So even if you don't plan surgery, you need to monitor your foot constantly.
Earlier, physiotherapist Vladimir Karasenko noted that attributing joint and muscle pain to age is a dangerous misconception. Often, a person is to blame for their own discomfort.