What is the best treatment for hallux valgus in the elderly?

Generally speaking, there is no single best treatment for hallux valgus in elderly individuals. Hallux valgus may be caused by poor lifestyle habits, excessive fatigue, improper footwear, flat feet, rheumatoid arthritis, and other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Poor Lifestyle Habits

Elderly individuals who frequently sit cross-legged or kneel, or who have incorrect walking postures, may place excessive pressure on the feet, affecting the normal development of foot bones and muscles, potentially leading to hallux valgus. It's important to adjust sitting and walking postures in daily life to avoid placing excessive stress on the big toe.

2. Overexertion

Prolonged standing, walking, or engaging in heavy physical labor may place excessive strain on the toes and plantar muscles in elderly individuals, possibly causing deformation of the big toe bone and subsequently leading to hallux valgus. Adequate rest and stretching exercises are recommended to relieve pressure on the foot muscles.

3. Improper Footwear

Wearing high heels or shoes that are too tight or narrow over a long period can restrict the natural movement of the toes in elderly individuals, gradually compressing the phalangeal bones and contributing to the development of hallux valgus. It is advisable to choose appropriate, spacious shoes and socks to reduce pressure on the big toe.

4. Flat Feet

Flat feet are often associated with genetic factors, imbalanced foot muscle strength, trauma, and other causes. The disruption of normal biomechanical balance in the foot may lead to altered stress distribution in elderly individuals, causing the base of the big toe to shift inward and resulting in outward tilting of the hallux—hallux valgus. This condition is typically accompanied by symptoms such as foot fatigue, redness, swelling, and pain. Treatment may include medications such as acetaminophen tablets, loxoprofen sodium tablets, or musk anti-rheumatic plasters, as prescribed by a doctor.

5. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Various factors such as long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, unbalanced diet, and endocrine disorders may contribute to rheumatoid arthritis. In elderly individuals, this condition can lead to synovial hyperplasia, joint capsule erosion, and ligament damage, thereby triggering hallux valgus. Symptoms often include joint swelling, pain, and stiffness. Medications such as sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets, methotrexate tablets, or total glucosides of paeony capsules may be used under a doctor’s guidance.

To address hallux valgus in the elderly, it is important to avoid maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods to prevent foot compression, wear loose and comfortable footwear, take adequate rest, and perform stretching exercises to promote blood circulation in the feet.