Range of motion and pain intensity of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in women with hallux valgus deformation after two-month home exercise programme

Abstract

Hallux Valgus (HV) (also Hallux abducto valgus) is a common deformity of the foot, which causes pain, inflammation and decreased joint mobility in the big toe. There are no universally accepted protocols for treating advanced phase HV, corrective surgery seems to be the most common direction of curing advanced HV deformation. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of two-month home exercise programme (HEP) on joint mobility and pain of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP-joint) in women with advanced phase HV deformation. Seven women with mean age 55.6±2.9 years with advanced phase HV deformation (first MTP-joint angle more than 20 degrees) participated in the study. Foot pain in different conditions was assessed with modified Foot Function Index's (FFI) pain subscale before and after HEP. Passive range of motion (PROM) of flexion and extension of the first MTP-joint was measured before and after HEP using a standard mechanical goniometer. A significant increase (p<0.001) in the passive extension of the first MTP-joint was noted after HEP compared with the joint mobility before HEP, also passive flexion increased considerably but no significant difference was noted (p>0.05). Foot pain score decreased significantly (p<0.05) after HEP. In conclusion, in advanced phase HV two-month HEP was an effective therapeutic approach for increasing first MTP-joint mobility and reducing foot pain.