Incorrect foot posture

The feet are exposed to severe stresses throughout life and frequently deform with increasing age. Also, in some younger people, incorrect positions even form during adolescence. With the so-called hallux valgus, there is an axial deviation of the big toe. It deviates towards the outside of the foot and may lie above or below another toe. This incorrect position promotes the development of osteoarthritis at the metatarsophalangeal joint. At the same time the bracing of the big toe also negatively impacts on the position of the metatarsus (mid foot) and the ball.
With the so-called hammer toe – medically known as hallux malleus – the interphalangeal joint is heavily bent and stiffened, causing blisters and bruises over the joint. A similar situation exists with so-called claw toes which, through heavy curvature, no longer touch the ground.

Symptoms: For many people incorrect positions only seem to be a cosmetic problem. But in the long term, they cause pain when walking and difficulty wearing closed shoes. The result is increased pressure on some parts of the foot which causes calluses, corns and inflammation.

Therapy: In the early stage, orthopaedic shoe inserts can help to alleviate the discomfort. In most cases though, only an operation brings long-term resolution of the discomfort. With the aid of modern surgical techniques, we can correct the incorrect posture and form a normal foot. At the same time, today, the preservation of the joints now takes centre stage, so that normal walking is possible once again.