Julien Lopez – Hallux Valgus Surgeon near Sanremo
Dr. Lopez is a hallux valgus surgeon near Sanremo specializing in the use of the percutaneous technique. With many years of experience in hallux valgus treatment, Dr. Julien Lopez has kept abreast of the latest surgical advances. Recognizing the numerous advantages of percutaneous surgery, he prioritizes the use of this method whenever the case permits. The hallux valgus specialist near Sanremo places great importance on his patients' comfort and ensures optimal pain management. He welcomes you to one of his clinics in Nice or Cannes, providing comprehensive care for the condition from diagnosis to the recovery phase.
Hallux Valgus near Sanremo – Understanding the Condition
Hallux valgus, whether in Sanremo or elsewhere, is a foot condition characterized by the deviation of the big toe (or hallux) towards the other toes, coupled with the deviation of the first metatarsal bone towards the inside of the foot. These developments subsequently lead to the formation of a bony protrusion (or bunion) on the inner side of the head and neck of the first metatarsal bone.
Stages of Hallux Valgus
Hallux valgus is a progressive condition that worsens over time.
The First Stage of Hallux Valgus
The first stage of hallux valgus is characterized by pain in the front of the foot during footwear and extended walking. Pain typically appears between the ages of 15 and 20 in cases of congenital hallux valgus, or around 40-50 in other cases. Patients complain of discomfort due to friction between the foot and the shoe. In some cases, this leads to inflammation and the development of bursitis.
The Second Stage of Hallux Valgus
Generally, two scenarios are possible:
- Hallux valgus becomes increasingly painful.
- Pain diminishes for several years. These sensations are deceptive as the deformity continues to evolve.
Over time, other deformities may appear and affect the other toes. The big toe may pass under the second toe, resulting in pressure problems and the formation of corns and calluses. Pain may then shift, and the patient complains of discomfort in the second toe.
The natural progression of the deformity is the development of toe clawing.
The patient will also have difficulty wearing shoes and may no longer be able to wear narrow or high-heeled shoes.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of hallux valgus is based on a clinical examination of the foot. The surgeon inquires about your symptoms, discomfort, and pain.
Additional tests may also be prescribed. X-rays are used to assess the extent of the deformity and detect any associated deformations.
A precise diagnosis allows the surgeon to select the most appropriate treatment for the patient's case.
Is Hallux Valgus Surgery near Sanremo Mandatory?
Only an experienced surgeon can tell you if hallux valgus surgery near Sanremo is advisable. For mild or moderate hallux valgus, non-surgical treatments are possible:
- Orthopedic insoles
- Orthopedic shoes
- Orthoplasties
- Plantar orthotics
In case of failed conservative treatments, Dr. Julien Lopez will guide you towards hallux valgus surgery.
Hallux Valgus Surgery near Sanremo
Hallux valgus surgery near Sanremo is by no means an aesthetic procedure. Dr. Julien Lopez performs surgery when the deformity significantly impairs the patient. The goal of hallux valgus surgery near Sanremo is to relieve pain and restore normal footwear.
Dr. Julien Lopez specializes in the use of the percutaneous technique for hallux valgus treatment. When possible, he favors this method, which offers many benefits to patients.
During surgery, Dr. Julien Lopez makes incisions of a few millimeters without opening the joint. Small surgical instruments are then inserted into the foot through these incisions to perform the necessary surgical procedures. The surgeon visually controls the operation using radiographic monitoring screens.
The Surgery Stages
- The anesthetist performs long-lasting regional anesthesia of the foot, which numbs the 4 foot nerves for 6 to 12 hours.
- Dr. Julien Lopez then shaves the bunion using a surgical burr.
- Dr. Julien Lopez releases the lateral joint capsule.
- An osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone is then performed. In cases of significant deformity, osteotomy of the first phalanx may also be performed.
- Once all the surgical procedures are completed, the surgeon applies a dressing to maintain the foot in an anatomical position.
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Hallux Valgus Surgery
- Smaller scars
- Limited tissue trauma
- Reduced post-operative pain
- Decreased risk of complications and infection
- Outpatient surgery
- Reduced hospitalization time
If you have any questions regarding your surgery, please do not hesitate to contact the office of Dr. Julien Lopez via email at secretariat@chirurgie-pied-sport.com or by phone at 06 71 00 19 23.
