A cone on the leg near the thumb: causes, treatment, operation. How to treat a lump on the leg near the thumb with folk remedies?

The cone on the leg near the thumb is a problem for many. And this is not just an aesthetic drawback. After all, as a rule, the appearance of such education is associated with deformation of the joints and bones of the foot, which, accordingly, is accompanied by discomfort. That is why today many people are interested in questions about why such cones appear and what methods of treatment modern medicine offers.

What is a bump on the big toe?

Of course, the cone on the leg near the thumb can have a different origin. For example, swelling and soreness in the joint area may indicate the development of an inflammatory process or starting arthritis. In addition, the formation of small sizes can be a common corn (natto-pile).

But in most cases, cones on the legs (photo) indicate a so-called valgus deformation (in medicine, the term Hallux valgus is also used ). This ailment is extremely common among women, which most researchers associate with wearing uncomfortable shoes. But in men, a bump on the legs can be seen extremely rarely - in only 2% of cases.

Cones on the foot near the thumb: the reasons for its formation

In fact, there are many factors that can provoke the development of valgus deformation:

• To begin with, it is worth noting the genetic predisposition to this disease.
• On the other hand, the curvature of the axis of the joint is often associated with the constant wearing of uncomfortable shoes with high heels and with narrow toe capes.
• Risk factors can also include flat-footed transverse type, since with this pathology the load distribution during walking varies.
• Excess weight is also potentially dangerous, because extra pounds - this is an additional burden on the bone apparatus of the foot.
• In some cases, deformation develops after an injury, for example, after a severe bruise or fracture of the foot bone, dislocation, etc.

Cones on legs: photos and symptoms

Signs of the development of valgus deformity depend on the stage of the development of the disease. As a rule, in the initial stages, patients note rapid fatigue and heaviness in the legs. Gradually, on the joint near the thumb begins to appear bulge.

As the cone grows, it can be noted the changes in the position of the thumb - it is deflected towards the remaining phalanges of the foot. Along with this there is discomfort, which increases with prolonged walking, standing or physical exertion. Many people also note that the lump on the leg hurts. And if at first the soreness appears only from time to time, then as the deformation progresses, it becomes practically constant. Skin over bone can swell and blush.

Stages of development of the disease

The cone on the leg near the thumb can look different, because the external symptoms directly depend on the stage of the disease. In modern medicine, it is customary to distinguish three phases of deformation:

• In the first stage of the disease, cones are small in size. This period is rarely accompanied by severe pain - most often discomfort occurs with prolonged walking or physical exertion. Only the thumb deviates from the normal axis.
• In the second stage, the presence of pathology is much easier. After all, the bone gradually increases in size - patients, as a rule, can no longer walk in the usual shoes. At this stage, not only the large but also the second toe is deformed.
• The third stage is accompanied by constant discomfort. After all, big cones hinder walking, and deformation spreads to the other toes of the foot.

In any case, it is worth remembering - if you notice that there are bumps on your legs, go to the orthopedic doctor as soon as possible, because the initial stages are easily amenable to conservative treatment.

What are the complications of the disease?

The cone on the leg near the thumb is perceived by most patients at first as an aesthetic disadvantage. This, of course, affects the life of a person, bringing emotional discomfort to it. But this is by no means the worst consequence.

As already mentioned, in the absence of appropriate treatment, the deformation progresses. Gradually, this leads to a restriction of mobility of the joint, and then the entire foot. After all, twisted phalanges interfere with normal walking, turning every movement into a real torture.

On the other hand, changing the shape and location of the finger complicates the choice of shoes - most patients with this and the diagnosis complain of the constant occurrence of calluses and abrasions on the feet. Another common complication is ingrowing the nail, which is also accompanied by pain, inflammation, and often suppuration.

And do not forget that the deformed joints are often inflamed, which is also extremely unpleasant and even dangerous.

Basic diagnostic methods

In fact, the diagnosis of valgus deformity is rarely associated with any difficulties, especially when it comes to its advanced stages. To confirm the diagnosis, the patient needs to take X-ray pictures of the feet in three projections - they will allow the doctor to see the deviations of the metatarsal bones and the curvature of the phalanges of the fingers.

Sometimes additional research is also prescribed. For example, computer-based plottography allows you to make an accurate footprint, which allows you to judge the degree of disruption of the load on the bone. In the early stages, the disease can be diagnosed using computer-assisted metering (the study helps to detect characteristic gait changes), as well as biomechanical studies.

Cones near the big toe: conservative treatment

In fact, drugs that can stop further deformation and align already crooked bones do not exist. Therefore, various methods of physiotherapy are most often used to treat this disease. A good effect will also be provided by regular massage and specially selected gymnastic exercises.

If the deformity is accompanied by severe pain, inflammation and redness of the skin, the patient may be prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - in most cases, ointments and gels for external use.

Approximately, this will look like therapy if you have a cone on your leg near your thumb. Treatment in this case is a long and complex process. The success of therapy largely depends on how accurately the patient complies with the doctor's instructions, so do not neglect the advice of specialists.

Orthopedic devices for deformation

If you have bumps on your feet, then it's time to seek help from an orthopedic doctor. To date, there are many different devices that help stop the process of further deformation, and sometimes even align the already twisted joints.

Patients with an initial stage of the disease, doctors are usually recommended to use special insoles for shoes, insteps, as well as rollers, which are placed between the toes of the foot. Such products provide the correct distribution of the load, and also reduce the discomfort that occurs during walking.

Quite popular are the finger-type correctors - special devices that are placed on the big toes, keeping them in a normal position. As a rule, proof-readers dress for the night.

There is another design, with the help of which the lump on the leg near the thumb is treated. The photo shows a special orthopedic tire that fixes the toes in a normal position, not allowing them to deviate from the normal axis. By the way, there are models that can be attached to shoes, which is also very convenient.

Surgical methods of deformation elimination

Unfortunately, conservative remedies for cones on the legs are not always effective. With the help of orthopedic adaptations, massages and gymnastics, it is possible to prevent the development of further deformation, but only at the initial stages. More severe cases require radical treatment. The surgical operation allows you to almost completely get rid of the disease, fix the slope of the bones, eliminate pain and discomfort.

In fact, the first procedures for surgical removal appeared quite a long time ago. During the operation, the doctor simply cut or completely removed part of the metatarsal bone. Of course, such a procedure entailed a lot of complications, in particular, the loss of foot support.

Modern operations allow almost completely to get rid of deformation without any serious consequences. During the procedure, the doctor shifts the tendons and changes the angle between the phalangeal bones, which makes it possible to form the correct arch of the foot. As a rule, after a few days the patient can normally move using special orthopedic shoes.

There are also more severe cases, when the above procedure does not completely eliminate the bumps on the legs. The operation for such patients looks different - the bones of the phalanx are fixed with the help of special medical cogs. This is a more complicated procedure, so the rehabilitation period lasts from 4 to 6 weeks.

But it is worthwhile to understand that even after carrying out a surgical operation it is necessary to follow preventive precautions.

Can I get rid of the cones at home?

Of course, you can improve the condition of feet and at home. For example, doctors recommend that you regularly make warm foot baths using sea salt. In addition, you can prevent further deformations with foot massage - you can easily do it yourself. All these methods will help improve blood circulation and nutrition of tissues.

Today, many people are interested in questions about whether there is a non-traditional therapy that allows you to get rid of such an unpleasant phenomenon as a lump on the leg near the thumb. How to treat folk remedies like this disease? Of course, there are many means.

For example, some folk medicine men recommend every evening to lubricate the skin around the stone with a small amount of iodine. A leaf of fresh cabbage is considered effective enough to be smeared with honey and applied to the affected area. To the bump, you can apply a lightly heated beeswax. But all these tools help to eliminate pain and inflammation - they can not get rid of curvature.

Basic preventive methods

It is much easier to avoid valgus deformation, than to try to get rid of it later. That's why doctors recommend to observe precautions. In particular, this applies to people who are genetically prone to such a disease.

Of course, in the first place it is necessary to take care of shoes that should be comfortable and, preferably, have orthopedic insoles or soles. Regular exercise of simple gymnastic exercises will also positively affect the condition of the feet. And doctors recommend to follow the weight of the body, as the additional load on the joints of the legs can provoke the development of deformation. From time to time, go to massage sessions. And, of course, if the first symptoms appear, contact your doctor immediately.

Gymnastics for feet

Certainly, special exercises for feet are extremely important. Here are the simplest and most effective of them:

• Extension and bending of the ankle;
• The withdrawal of the feet inside and out;
• Flexion and extension of toes;
• Throw a small object on the floor (for example, a pencil) and try to lift it with your toes;
• Take a small piece of paper and learn to crumple it, using the toes;
• Try moving your toes on your legs separately.

These exercises are very simple - they can be easily performed even sitting at the desk. Nevertheless, the effect of regular gymnastics is simply invaluable. This not only helps to speed up the healing process and restore the fingers mobility, but also to prevent the development of valgus deformation.