"Deformity of the phalanx of the thumb has a tendency to progress," on the site la.lv warns Valdis Gončars, a doctor at the Traumatology and Orthopedics Hospital, and adds that sometimes the deformation can be stopped by inserting orthopedic insoles into the shoes, which create more comfortable conditions for the foot, as they lift up its inner edge.
"I've had a bunion on my big toe since I was young. For now, the deformity is not progressing, but the podiatrist warned: if you don't operate on time, all the toes will twist. Are the forecasts really that bad?” GUNA IN LIEPAĆI
Valdis Gončars, a doctor at the Traumatology and Orthopedics Hospital, confirms that the deformity of the thumb bone has a tendency to progress. As shoes constantly press on it, it grows more and more new bone mass. In addition, in the mucous membrane between the skin and the surface of the bone, under the influence of continuous irritation, additional fluid is released, so the resulting bump becomes inflamed, red and enlarged.
Sometimes, when the thumb tends to the side of the next finger, a hammer-like deformity is formed, and the following fingers can also twist.
Deformation can be stopped by inserting orthopedic insoles into the shoes, which create more comfortable conditions for the foot by raising its inner edge.
In order to strengthen the muscles of the foot and prevent further flattening of the arches, the doctor recommends exercising the feet, for example, grabbing and lowering an object with the toes, repeating it several times, or standing on the tips of the toes. Massage will also be beneficial, using a plastic bottle filled with warm water and rolled on the floor with each foot for about 15 minutes.
If, following the doctor's recommendations, the deformity continues to progress, it is difficult to find suitable shoes, and inflammation often develops around the bone growth, a surgical operation is recommended.