Tsofit Arman
Touch therapy
Hallux Valgus
One might call it the disease of the shoe wearing modern men. It is distortion of the front of the foot where the toe gradually deviates sideways towards the rest of the toes and this creates a state of a prominent bone on the side of the foot. This bone rubes against the edges of the shoe and it creates continuous inflammation, causing discomfort and pain.
The reasons for formation
1. Shoes: the mobility of the toes, especially the big toe, important for the posture. When we walk our body weight goes from the heel to the toes and back. Wearing tight shoes disturbs the way we carry weight and pushes the toes to each other. Wearing high heels causes the ankle joint be less stable and more prone to sprains, and the ligaments and tendons (that hold the foot) to be weaker. The foot develops a kind of compensation to find stability.
2. Arthritis: causes a gradual destruction of the base joint of the toe and weakening of the supporting ligaments causing the formation of hallux valgus.
3. Neurological diseases: when the nerves hurt it creates imbalance between the different muscle groups around the big toe. In many cases due to weakness of the other muscles, the muscle responsible for the tilt of the toe to the outer direction turns dominant.
4. Injury: in the base of the toe, as a result of sports or trauma.
5. Anatomical changes: very common in cases of flat foot, shortened Achilles tendon, shortened gastronomies muscle and pronation of the foot.
6. Genetics: according to research hallux valgus might develop from childhood or puberty. In some families it is more common, and the tendency among females is higher than in men.
Treatment
In the early stages it is possible to treat and prevent deterioration using trigger point therapy. Using kinezio tape allows to stretch the skin in a specific direction thus effecting the connective tissue and the muscle fiber that hold the toe. The tape supports the foot by distributing the weight differently.
In reflexology Hallux valgus reflects a complex blockage with projections on the posture and mobility. The joint in the big toe is connected to flexibility and forward motion of the foot and body. When we step on the ground, there is a counter reaction to the spine. Due to damage in the base joint of the toe, the reflex to the spine is defected. Sometimes it will effect the position of the head, and the damage can be seen in the neck and shoulder blades area.
From a holistic perspective this phenomena is common among people who feel they are over giving, have imbalance between giving and receiving energy, and connected to the heart and the thyroid gland.