Hallux Varus

Hallux varus is a condition of the foot affecting the big toe when the toe starts to move away from the other toes. As the condition progresses, it may appear that the big toe wants nothing to do with the little toes. As the condition worsens, the big toe loses flexibility and may become stiffened. The condition causes pain in the big toe. Hallux varus may lead to the development of ingrown toenails. Cause Hallux varus may result from bunion surgery. Here are some additional causes of the condition: • congenital deformity • trauma or injury • absence of the sesamoid bone associated with the big toe • tight tendons in the big toe Treatment and Prevention Depending on severity, surgery may be required, even if the condition was a result of bunion surgery. The additional surgery will realign the big toe with the 1st metatarsal bone. Corrective shoes or custom orthotic devices such as splinting of the toe may be helpful in hallux varus.