Hallux Valgus Surgery near Marseille
Dr. Julien Lopez has worked as a foot surgeon and received partial training in hallux valgus surgery in Marseille.
Dr. Julien Lopez has worked as a foot and ankle surgeon specializing in sports traumatology for several years. He treats a wide range of foot, rearfoot, and ankle conditions, including Morton's neuroma, hallux rigidus, quintus varus, Achilles tendonitis, toe claw, ankle sprains, and more.
If you reside in Marseille or the surrounding areas, the surgeon offers consultations in Nice or Cannes. If you are unable to travel, Dr. Julien Lopez also provides teleconsultations.
The surgeon operates under sector 2 convention, allowing you to be reimbursed for your consultation by the Social Security and your health insurance.
What is Hallux Valgus?
Hallux valgus is the most common foot deformity, affecting between 5% to 10% of the French population. This condition primarily affects women but can also affect men, with a ratio of 1 man to 30 to 40 women.
Hallux valgus is characterized by the deviation of the big toe towards the other toes, resulting in a bony protrusion on the inner side of the foot. Patients typically complain of pain during walking due to friction between the foot and shoes. The protrusion can become red and very painful, leading to the formation of corns and calluses. Several factors can contribute to the development of hallux valgus, including genetics, the presence of other medical conditions, and wearing narrow or high-heeled shoes.
Diagnosis of Hallux Valgus in Marseille
The diagnosis of hallux valgus near Marseille primarily relies on a clinical examination of the foot. During the consultation, Dr. Julien Lopez examines the foot for key symptoms such as deviation of the big toe and a bump on the inner side of the foot.
You can easily consult a hallux valgus specialist in Marseille or another major city like Toulon, Nice, etc. This specialist may complement the diagnosis with foot radiography to precisely measure the extent of the deviation and determine if surgical treatment is necessary. In some cases, ultrasound or MRI may also be performed.
Conservative Treatments
After examining the foot and diagnosing hallux valgus, Dr. Julien Lopez will recommend the most appropriate treatment for your case. In cases of mild deformity, conservative treatment may be implemented, including:
Wearing appropriate shoes
Opting for wide shoes to avoid pressure on the deformity is recommended. High-heeled shoes that increase pressure on the front of the foot should be avoided. Orthopedic shoes can also be considered.
Foot orthoses
Custom-made devices inserted into shoes to distribute pressure during walking and provide additional support.
Orthopedic insoles
Insoles molded to the shape of the foot to relieve pain and limit deformity over time.
Percutaneous Hallux Valgus Surgery near Marseille
Percutaneous hallux valgus surgery in Marseille or another region is based on the same surgical principles.
The surgical procedure involves the following steps:
In cases where conservative treatment is unsuccessful, foot and hallux valgus surgery near Marseille or Nice may be discussed.
Depending on the extent of the deformity, the surgeon will recommend either traditional or percutaneous hallux valgus surgery. Dr. Julien Lopez, trained in minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery in Marseille, always prefers this technique when possible.
This surgical technique involves making small incisions, typically a few millimeters in size, through which the surgeon inserts specific instruments to correct the deformity. Visual control of the hallux valgus operation is achieved using radiographic monitoring screens.
During the procedure, Dr. Julien Lopez performs bony reshaping and releases the lateral joint capsule. He then performs osteotomy of the first metatarsal. In cases of significant deformity, osteotomy of the first phalanx may also be necessary. Like many hallux valgus surgeons in Marseille, he applies a dressing to keep the big toe in the correct position, facilitating the healing of soft tissues.
Advantages of Percutaneous Surgery
The percutaneous technique offers several advantages not found in traditional surgery:
- Smaller scars
- Reduced pain
- Lower risk of infection
- Accelerated recovery process
Considering Hallux Valgus Surgery in Marseille or Another Major City?
If you are determined to undergo hallux valgus surgery in Marseille or another center, here are some useful post-operative details. Hallux valgus surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, and the patient can return home a few hours after the procedure. Upon returning home, the patient should follow several steps to ensure proper healing and optimal recovery.
Dressing
A dressing is applied immediately after the surgery and should be kept in place for 21 days to facilitate bone and tissue healing. There is no need for dressing changes during this period. At the end of these 21 days, a clinic appointment will be scheduled to remove the dressing.
It is recommended to ice your foot over the dressing 5 to 7 times a day for 15 to 20 minutes. You can use a bag of frozen peas or gel packs available at pharmacies.
Walking
If you reside in the Bouches du Rhône region, orthopedic shoes will be prescribed after your hallux valgus surgery in Marseille. Otherwise, you can obtain them online or from a nearby orthopedic store. Walking with a medical shoe is allowed right after leaving the clinic. In the initial days following the surgery, it is advisable to avoid walking continuously for more than 30 minutes. Additionally, keep your foot elevated by placing cushions under it when sitting or lying down. Normal footwear can typically be resumed after 3 to 4 weeks, depending on swelling.
