Hallux Valgus: More Than Just a Foot Deformity… "Left Untreated, It Can Destabilize Your Knees and Back"

If the front of your foot consistently hurts or your big toe gets caught every time you put on shoes, you may need to suspect hallux valgus (bunions). Many people dismiss it as a minor discomfort, but hallux valgus is a progressive condition that, over time, disrupts the overall alignment and weight distribution of the entire foot.

Hallux valgus is a foot disorder where the big toe leans toward the second toe, causing the joint at the base to protrude outward. While structural factors like genetics, flat feet, or ligament laxity are primary causes, lifestyle habits—such as wearing high heels or narrow-toed shoes for long periods—also contribute significantly to its onset and progression.

The real problem is that many patients delay treatment until the pain becomes unbearable. If left untreated, the big toe deviates further, pushing against adjacent toes and leading to calluses, skin ulcers, and arthritis. Furthermore, as the walking balance collapses, it can trigger secondary pain in the knees, hips, and lower back.

Treatment for hallux valgus must be determined by comprehensively assessing the degree of deformity, pain levels, and any accompanying conditions. For mild cases with minimal pain, conservative treatments like orthotics or lifestyle modifications can offer improvement. However, if the deformity is moderate to severe or the pain interferes with daily life, surgical intervention should be considered.

Dr. Hong-Joon Choi, Director of Seoul Gunwoo Orthopedic Clinic (located near Gangil Station in Gangdong-gu, Seoul), emphasizes: "Hallux valgus is not just a cosmetic issue of a crooked foot. Because the weight-bearing structure of the foot itself has changed, missing the window for treatment can affect not only the entire foot but also the knees and back."

When surgery is necessary, the methods are generally divided into two categories:

1.  MICA (Minimally Invasive Chevron & Akin Osteotomy): This technique involves making 3–4 tiny holes in the skin to correct the deformed bone and soft tissue. It leaves almost no scarring, and the procedure is quick, taking about 20–30 minutes. Patients typically stay in the hospital for two days, can walk the day after surgery, and can even have both feet operated on simultaneously. However, since results can vary based on the surgeon’s skill, it is crucial to seek an experienced specialist.

2.  Open Osteotomy: This is suitable for moderate to severe deformities or complex structural issues. By securing a direct line of sight, precise correction is possible. It offers a wide range of corrective angles and a low recurrence rate, though the recovery period may be slightly longer compared to minimally invasive options.

"One surgical method is not inherently better than the other," Dr. Choi explains. "The correct treatment is choosing the safest and most appropriate method by considering the patient’s deformity angle, age, activity level, and underlying health conditions."

Dr. Hong-Joon Choi, Director of Seoul Gunwoo Orthopedic Clinic, holds a Ph.D. from Korea University and served as a Research Fellow at the Foot and Ankle Research Innovation Lab (FARIL) within the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Harvard Medical School. He is an active member of the Harvard MGH Foot and Ankle Society and co-authored the revised medical textbook Foot and Ankle, published by the Korean Foot and Ankle Society, specifically writing Chapter 9 on Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) disorders.

To date, Dr. Choi has treated over 80,000 foot and ankle patients and performed approximately 9,000 surgeries. His top priority remains providing personalized, patient-centered care for hallux valgus and various other foot conditions.

After surgery, the duration of wearing corrective shoes and the transition back to regular footwear depends on the individual's recovery speed. Seoul Gunwoo Orthopedic Clinic helps patients return to daily life quickly through a systematic rehabilitation program. The goal is to prevent recurrence and restore long-term walking function through regular follow-ups and managed rehab.

When the balance of the foot is restored, the strain on the knees and back is naturally reduced. If you are considering treatment for hallux valgus, it is wise to seek an accurate diagnosis before the deformity progresses further.

Seoul Gunwoo Orthopedic Clinic is dedicated to the foot health of patients in Gangdong-gu (Gangil Station), Hanam, and Misa.

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