Valgus Foot: A Complete Guide to Understanding and Treating this Condition
What is the Valgus Foot?
Valgus foot is a foot deformity characterized by lateral deviation of the heel inward, which causes the arch of the foot to flatten.
This condition may be related to flat feet and can cause overload and injury to other parts of the body, such as the knees, hips and back.
Valgus foot is most common in children, but can also occur in adults.
Causes of Valgus Foot
Valgus foot can be caused by several factors, including:
- Genetics: Genetic predisposition plays an important role in the development of valgus foot.
- Neurological: Conditions such as cerebral palsy can affect normal foot development.
- Musculoskeletal: Weakness or imbalance in the muscles and ligaments of the foot and ankle.
- Traumatic: Previous injuries to the foot or ankle that alter its normal structure.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of valgus foot can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but generally include:
- Foot and ankle pain.
- Excessive wear on the inside of the shoe.
- Fatigue and tiredness in the feet when walking or standing.
- Knee, hip and back pain due to foot misalignment.
- Appearance of other pathologies such as bunions, claw toes and plantar fasciitis.
Diagnosis of Valgus Foot
Diagnosis of valgus foot begins with a physical evaluation by a podiatrist.
This process may include:
- Medical history: Review of the patient’s medical history and current symptoms.
- Physical Examination: Visual inspection and palpation of the foot to assess alignment and arch.
- Biomechanical study: Gait analysis and plantar pressure distribution.
- Diagnostic Imaging: X-rays or MRI to evaluate the bone structure and soft tissues of the foot.
Treatment Options
Treatment of valgus foot depends on the severity of the condition and the symptoms presented.
Options include:
Conservative Treatments
- Orthopedic Insoles: Customized to provide support and correct foot alignment.
- Appropriate Footwear: Shoes with good support and cushioning to reduce pressure on the foot.
- Physiotherapy: Exercises to strengthen foot muscles and improve stability.
- Medications: Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Surgical Interventions
- Osteotomy: Surgery to realign the bones of the foot.
- Arthrodesis: Fusion of joints to stabilize the foot.
- Reconstructive Techniques: Procedures to reconstruct and balance the muscles and ligaments of the foot.
Prevention and Care
Although it is not always possible to prevent valgus foot, some measures can help manage the symptoms and prevent complications:
- Proper Footwear: Choose shoes with good support and cushioning.
- Regular Exercises: Maintain strength and flexibility of the foot and ankle muscles.
- Weight Control: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the load on the feet.
- Regular Consultations: Visit the podiatrist for periodic evaluations and treatment adjustments.
Conclusion
Valgus foot is a condition that can significantly affect quality of life if not properly treated.
At Clinica San Roman, we offer accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment for valgus foot, tailored to the individual needs of each patient.
Our goal is to relieve pain, correct the deformity and improve foot function through the use of orthotics, physical therapy and, when necessary, surgical interventions.
