COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT APPROACHES IN PATIENTS WITH HALLUX VALGUS

Abstract

Purpose: This study was undertaken with the aim of investigating the comparative efficacy of three different conservative approaches in the treatment of flexible hallux valgus.
Patients and methods: Forty-five subjects diagnosed as having a hallux valgus deformity who had applied to the unit of orthotics and biomechanics of the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation of Hacettepe University were randomly allocated into three groups. The first group received a toe separator, the second a hallux valgus splint to be worn at night and the third group mobilisation exercises. Patients were assessed for pain and clinical manifestation of hallux valgus by means of Visual Analogue Scale and Hallux Valgus Index prior to treatment and in three months.
Results: Statictical analysis of the data revealed that while a hallux separator was ineffective in reducing pain and deformity, a hallux valgus night splint did not effect the deformity but could alleviate pain. Mobilisation exercises were effective in decreasing pain and in correcting a flexible deformity to some extent.
Conclusion: Orthotic intervention in the treatment of hallux valgus is not as effective as exersises in controlling the deformity.