Hallux Valgus Surgery in Genoa - The expertise of a French surgeon

Risk Factors

Hallux valgus is a common foot condition. Some populations are more at risk of developing hallux valgus during their lifetime.

In 90% of cases, hallux valgus begins between the ages of 40 and 50. Women are also more affected by this condition (90 to 95% of cases). Furthermore, menopause leads to a relaxation of fibrous structures that promotes the widening of the forefoot and, consequently, the development of hallux valgus.

Individuals with a family history of hallux valgus are also more likely to be affected by this condition, accounting for approximately 25% of hallux valgus cases due to hereditary factors.

Personal factors and medical history can also be the cause of the deformity (e.g., Egyptian foot, neuromuscular disease, collagen abnormality).

Wearing narrow-toed shoes or high-heeled shoes tends to promote the development of hallux valgus.

Consultation with a Hallux Valgus Surgeon in Genoa or Elsewhere - Symptoms to Watch

Discover the symptoms that may lead to consulting a hallux valgus surgeon in Genoa or elsewhere:

• Pain in the big toe. This pain typically occurs during prolonged walking and decreases at rest. In advanced stages, the pain can also be present at rest due to cartilage damage.
• Plantar pain. Thickening of the skin in the form of calluses, corns, and hard skin can occur.
• Deformation of the forefoot. The deformation of the forefoot and the deviation of the big toe can make putting on shoes difficult. The big toe misaligns to the point of passing over the second toe. The last four toes may curl.
• Loss of function in the big toe. The big toe can no longer perform its usual role in weight distribution and walking propulsion. Body weight is transferred to the other toes.
• Bursitis. Repeated friction between the bunion and the shoe creates a very painful inflammatory area.

This forefoot condition can remain without discomfort and pain for a long time, leading patients to consult late. However, early management of the condition ensures the best results for hallux valgus surgery. It is strongly recommended to consult a healthcare professional as soon as the first symptoms of hallux valgus appear.

Diagnosis of Hallux Valgus in Genoa

The diagnosis of hallux valgus in Genoa, as elsewhere, is based on a clinical examination of the foot. The surgeon relies on the observation of the deformity and the patient's symptoms.

Hallux valgus is a progressive foot condition, and several stages of hallux valgus are distinguished:

• Mild hallux valgus: It is characterized by a deviation of less than 20°. The phalanx of the big toe and the metatarsal bone are correctly aligned.
• Moderate hallux valgus: The deviation is between 20° and 40°. The big toe is then deviated outward, and the phalanx is deviated inward. The phalanx of the big toe and the metatarsal bone no longer fit correctly. The big toe conflicts with the second toe.
• Severe hallux valgus: The deviation angle is greater than 40°. The big toe passes over or under the second toe.

Radiographs may also be prescribed to confirm the diagnosis and measure the degree of deformation.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Once the diagnosis of hallux valgus is made, your surgeon can guide you to the most suitable treatment for your case. In the case of mild deformity, Dr. Julien Lopez may guide you toward conservative hallux valgus treatment without surgery.

Various treatments are possible:

• Footwear adaptation. In cases of hallux valgus, it is advisable to prioritize wearing wide and flexible shoes to avoid exacerbating the deformity.
• Orthopedic shoes. These shoes provide better support for the bunion to prevent the deformity from worsening and reduce pain.
• Orthotic insoles. It is also possible to opt for orthotic insoles made by a podiatrist or orthoplasties.
• Antalgic medical treatment may be prescribed to relieve pain caused by the deformity.
• Podiatry care. These treatments aim to address corns and calluses caused by the condition.

When conservative treatment is insufficient, Dr. Julien Lopez will proceed with hallux valgus surgery.

Hallux Valgus Surgery in Genoa and Elsewhere - The Percutaneous Technique

Are you looking for a professional for your hallux valgus surgery in Genoa? Dr. Julien Lopez is a French surgeon specialized in this type of surgery. He assists patients in the management of their condition worldwide and welcomes them in one of his clinics in Cannes or Nice.

Dr. Julien Lopez specializes in treating hallux valgus using the percutaneous technique. This method contrasts with traditional open surgery, which requires large incisions at the front of the foot.

Minimally invasive surgery (or percutaneous surgery) involves performing surgical procedures using small incisions of a few millimeters. The procedure is carried out under radiographic control. Using this technique facilitates postoperative recovery and reduces pain. It is an innovative, efficient, and minimally invasive technique.

The advantages of hallux valgus surgery in Genoa, Cannes, or Paris are the same:

• Non-invasive skin incision
• Quick and inconspicuous skin healing
• Use of local/regional anesthesia
• Outpatient surgery

After the surgery is completed, the surgeon applies a dressing in the operating room. Only two postoperative consultations are required following percutaneous hallux valgus surgery.

The first one takes place 3 weeks after the surgery, during which the dressing is removed, and the patient can return to regular shoe-wearing.

A simple follow-up consultation is scheduled 2 months after the surgery.

If you wish to undergo surgical intervention and reduce your pain, finding a good hallux valgus specialist in Genoa is not always easy. French surgeon Julien Lopez receives patients in one of his offices in Nice or Cannes.