[Column] Is Your Foot Health Ready for the Spring Running Boom?

Beware of Worsening Hallux Valgus
Small Habits Protect Your Feet

As the warm spring arrives, there has been a noticeable increase in people enjoying running and barefoot walking. While these activities are great for starting light exercise and can help improve cardiovascular function and overall fitness, starting to exercise aggressively without proper preparation can place unexpected strain on foot health.

One condition that requires particular attention is hallux valgus (bunion). Hallux valgus is not just an external issue where the big toe bends; it is a disorder that causes structural deformation of the foot itself. As the big toe is pushed outward, the balance at the front of the foot is disrupted, and the muscles and ligaments that support this area gradually weaken.

In a normal foot, the forces pulling the big toe inward and outward are balanced. However, as hallux valgus progresses, this balance is lost, and the deformity becomes more severe. This leads to abnormal pressure on the joints, resulting in pain and inflammation. In the early stages, you may experience only mild discomfort, but if left untreated, it can lead to difficulties wearing shoes or persistent pain while walking.

The problem does not stop there. As hallux valgus advances, body weight is not properly distributed and is instead concentrated on the other toes, which can cause forefoot pain. Changes in walking patterns may not only affect the feet but can also impact other joints, such as the knees and hips.

Fortunately, in the early stages, simple management can help prevent symptoms from worsening. The basics include choosing shoes with a wide toe box and enough space for the toes. Toe separators, stretching, and exercises to strengthen the foot muscles are also helpful. Above all, it is important to avoid overexertion without considering the condition of your feet.

If your symptoms progress to the point where they interfere with daily life, surgical treatment may be an option. Recently, minimally invasive correction procedures for hallux valgus, such as Minimally Invasive Chevron-Akin (MICA), have been introduced, which reduce both pain and recovery time.

The foot is a vital structure that supports the entire body, yet its importance is often overlooked in daily life. As this is a good season to start exercising, it is important to first develop the habit of checking your foot health. Even minor pain should not be ignored, and early management can be the first step toward maintaining a healthy daily life.

An Kijun, Director of the Foot Center at Busan Central Hospital.

An Gijun, Chief of Foot Center at Busan Central Hospital.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.