Hallux valgus, also known as a bunion, is a deformity of the foot where the first metatarsal bone and great toe are misaligned. It occurs more frequently in females and risk increases with age, and may be genetic. Symptoms include pain, calluses, reduced range of motion. Conservative treatment focuses on supportive shoes while surgical correction realigns bones. Postoperative care involves elevation, limited activity, pain medication, and bandage changes to aid healing.

1. Hallux Valgus
Kristine Aclan, RN

3. Hallux Valgus
• Also called bunion
• A deformity of the foot involving the
first metatarsal and great toe

5. Hallux Valgus
• Occurs in females more frequently than
males, and incidence increases with age

6. • May have a genetic predisposition
• Commonly occurs with other
deformities of the feet, such as
hammertoe, mallet toe, and claw toe

7. CLINICAL
MANIFESTATIONS

8. • Pain
• Possible callus of skin overlying bunion
and accompanying toe deformities
• Diminished ROM
• Generally associated with tight
footwear

10. MANAGEMENT AND
NURSING
INTERVENTIONS

11. Conservative Management
• Wearing footwear made of soft leather
with a wider toe box, rounded rather
than pointed, and with low heel.
• Special orthoses can be ordered.
• Steroid injections to relieve pain.

12. Surgical Management
• Surgical alignment of the great toe by
osteotomy of metatarsal or proximal
phalanx of the great toe or fusion of the
metatarsal-metatarsophalangeal joint

14. Postoperative Care
• Elevation of the foot to reduce pain
• Initial non-weight-bearing activity, with
very gradual progress in activity
• Crutch walking initially, followed by
wooden shoe immobilizer for several
weeks

15. Postoperative Care
• NSAIDs and opioid analgesics for pain
• Bandages changed by surgeon initially