The doctor warned about the danger of a lump on the foot

The appearance of a lump on the foot near the thumb is a common condition that many people face. Alexander Arzhakov, an orthopedic traumatologist at the Sberbank Health medical company, told Izvestia on July 18 why the deformity occurs, how it is treated and whether its development can be stopped.

"The deviation of the thumb to the side occurs due to a violation of the balance of the muscles, ligaments and bones of the foot. As a result, the joint at the base of the first finger changes. The unofficial name of this phenomenon is a "bone" or "bump on the foot", and the medical name is a hallux valgus deformity of the first toe," the doctor explained.

Among the risk factors, the specialist identified heredity, excess weight, flat feet, prolonged standing and wearing uncomfortable shoes — with a narrow front, high heels, too hard or, conversely, soft soles.

According to the doctor, patients most often complain of pain, redness, calluses and visual bulge at the base of the finger. In severe cases, there is a strong displacement of the joint to the side. In women over 30-40 years of age, hallux valgus is 10 times more common than in men. Athletes, especially runners, and people with weak ligamentous apparatus of the foot are also at risk.

"Externally, the hallux valgus deformity of the first toe may resemble other diseases, such as gouty tofus, therefore, for proper diagnosis and treatment, it is necessary to consult an orthopedic traumatologist. Conservative methods of therapy include choosing the right shoes, using orthopedic insoles and/or a hallux valgus corrector, and physical therapy. These measures help slow down the progression of the disease and reduce pain," Arzhakov stressed.

Physical therapy is an effective measure. Exercises include lifting objects with your toes, rolling a ball or orthopedic roller. You need to practice for 15 minutes daily or every other day for 4-8 weeks. For prevention, two or three times a week in the evening is enough.

Surgical treatment is recommended in cases where pain in the joint of the first finger becomes permanent, reduces the quality of life, there is a pronounced deformity of the finger and foot, calluses and inflammation appear, and conservative therapy has no effect.

"Modern methods of surgical treatment make it possible to achieve significant improvement in the condition of most patients. Surgical intervention is aimed at restoring the correct shape and function of the thumb and foot joint as a whole. At the same time, the success of treatment depends on the quality of subsequent rehabilitation, which includes, for example, exercises to strengthen the muscles of the foot, wearing the right shoes," Arzhakov said.

For prevention, the specialist advises to monitor body weight, wear comfortable shoes, engage in moderate physical activity for at least 150 minutes a week and, if necessary, consult with a nutritionist for proper weight loss.

Arzhakov stressed that the appearance of a "bone" affects the entire foot, and the sooner a person goes to an orthopedic traumatologist, the higher the chances of maintaining the supporting function and avoiding complications.

Dmitry Stavtsev, a surgeon and phlebologist at SM Clinic, told Izvestia on April 11 that "vascular asterisks" are not an independent disease and in most cases are simply cosmetic discomfort. However, sometimes they can appear with hormonal changes, metabolic disorders, and also be one of the manifestations of certain diseases.