Recommended, 2024

Editor'S Choice

Illnesses: Foot problems

Definition, causes and course of disease

The human foot is a marvel of construction. In a long-distance jumper, for example, forces of up to 1, 000 kilograms impact on the body when jumping off. Actually, the small tarsal bones would burst, but the athlete lands safely. The secret lies in the sophisticated vault construction of the foot. It was naturally tuned to the needs of our ancestors who were up all day. But over time, man evolved from the current to the predominantly sedentary being - and that's when the problems began. Because healthy feet need exercise.

The less they are trained, the more susceptible they are to stress. Many feel painful. Most foot problems cause the big toe, or the big toe ball, popularly called Überbein. The physician understands under a big toe ball (medically: Hallux Valgus) a deviation of the big toe in the ground joint to the small toe out. This incorrect loading of the foot causes the two first metatarsal bones to spread and thereby the head of the metatarsals to emerge. This deformation is mistakenly referred to as a supra leg. But the lateral "bale" is not caused by a bone thickening, but is formed by the well-worn metatarsal head.

The hallux valgus, or the widening of the forefoot, causes the splayfoot. If Hallux Valgus is not treated, the big toe moves on to the small toe and slides under the second toe. Orthopedists then speak of a hammer toe. 90 percent of hallux valgus patients are women. But contrary to the widespread opinion are too tight shoes not to blame. It's up to the genes. Of course, a hallux valgus can be promoted by appropriate shoes with appropriate predisposition. But: Wide footwear does not protect against deformity, as proven by studies.

treatment

Which therapies are used depends on the severity of the malposition and the age. In a slight expression of the bale, the mobility in the metatarsophalangeal joint is usually not affected. But over the bale, a bursa may form and cause inflammation. In this early stage, more comfortable shoes and insoles can provide relief. However, if the pain persists, surgery should be started at this stage. Some doctors try a hallux valgus night splint, but it does not help. If the spread between the metatarsal bones increases and thus the bale is getting bigger, must be operated in any case.

Even if the bale is always prone to inflammation and also hurts in peace and when wearing shoes becomes a problem because you can not fit into any more. In an operation, the first metatarsal bone is changed, that is straightened, moved and fixed again. The operation takes place under general anesthesia, takes about 45 minutes. At the same time the hammer toe is corrected, about 60 minutes. Once the hallux valgus is removed, the splayfoot is usually gone. After surgery, the patient no longer needs to suffer unnecessarily. The foot is almost lahmgespritzt. The anesthetic lasts 24 hours, the patient is painless. After this time, the worst has been overcome. The hospital stay is short: For example, who is operated on Friday, on Monday can return home. Subsequently, the patient receives a forefoot relief shoe. He is only allowed to go to the bathroom during the first five days. He then has to wear the shoe for four weeks. If everything is OK with X-ray inspection, the patient should wear wide shoes for the next two to three weeks. Then everything would have to be over.

Prevention and self-help

Preventive for strong and healthy feet are the following exercises. It's best to work out for at least five minutes every day:

Foot spiral :

Objective: Mobility and stability of the metatarsus. Here's how it works: Sit down. One hand covers the heel, the other the forefoot. Wring out the foot like a towel. Heel turns outwards, forefoot inwards.

The C-bow :

Target: Forefoot vault is activated. Here's how it works: Take the big toe and the little toe at the base joint in one hand each, and turn them inwards. This should create an arch bridge.

Foot Picasso :

Objective: strengthening the long foot muscles. This is how it works: cross-legged. Pin between toes, heel with the outer edge on the ground. Turn forefoot with pin to ground, "paint". Do not move the heel!

Skipper :

Goal: stabilization of the heel. Here's how it works: Stand with both feet on the bottom step. Raise and lower heels alternately slowly. Not up to the tiptoes, that promotes the splayfoot.

Popular Categories

Top