Definition
The term “hallux” refers to “big toe”. Once the big toe deviates from its straight axis, and points to the other foot more and more, we can speak of a “varus” deviation.
Causes
This varus position most often develops after a previous surgery for hallux valgus, usually due to an over-correction. Other known causes include trauma, certain systemic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis,…
Symptoms
At the beginning of the deviation, the joint can still be put back into the neutral position by you or the surgeon, maintaining mobility. After some time, however, a contraction occurs on the inside of the joint, with or without arthritis and hammer toe formation of the big toe.
Treatments
If you notice this varus position shortly after surgery for hallux valgus, a taping of the big toe toward the little toe for three months, can make the soft tissue heal sufficiently, to obtain a stable situation again, which does not require further surgery.
If this deformation does not really trouble you and if it is flexible, you can simply wear shoes with a wide tip, which don’t cause any friction. As the deformation of the toe increases and gets stiffer, wearing appropriate footwear will help less. In that case, surgery may be a remedy.
The first things to be checked are the mobility and flexibility of the metatarsophalangeal joint. If this is stiffened and painful, the best solution seems to be an arthrodesis.
