Hallux valgus deformity: Treatment options, post-operative management, and return to sport

Hallux valgus is the commonest forefoot deformity, consisting in a deviation of the great toe. The pathophysiology is complex and multifactorial, with women being more affected than men. Hallux valgus causes symptoms in three ways: pain in the bunion, lack of space for the other toes, and metatarsalgia. Traumatic hallux valgus is an increasingly common injury in the athletic population and represents a unique variant of turf toe. Patients in whom conservative measures fail to relieve symptoms may be considered for surgery, since none of the non-surgical treatment options can permanently correct the hallux valgus deformity. Concern exists on the correct treatment approach and the most appropriate surgical technique, especially in athletes. Newest minimally invasive procedures allow to achieve good clinical and radiographic outcomes and they are associated with decreased recovery and rehabilitation times. Post-operative rehabilitation is aimed to restore physiological gait and foot function, encouraging both plantar pressure on the first ray and joint mobility, with walking immediately permitted. Further studies of higher levels of evidence should be performed to identify the correct indications for this disease. The aim of this narrative review is to give an insight about the treatment options, related post-operative rehabilitation, and return to sport.