Attention, those who wear high heels and pointed-toe shoes!

Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Dr. Mustafa Altıntaş stated that choosing the wrong footwear can lead to deformities and bunions on the big toe.

''A CONDITION VERY FREQUENTLY SEEN, ESPECIALLY IN WOMEN''

Dr. Altıntaş said, “Big toe curvature is a condition very frequently seen, especially in women. It occurs when the first toe deviates outward from its base, while the first metatarsal bone deviates inward. The most common causes are genetics, flat feet, and footwear usage. Our most frequent symptom is patients presenting to our clinic with pain following the curvature of the toe. We diagnose this condition through a physical examination. Generally, when the patient exposes their foot, the first toe is positioned underneath the second toe. Since the first metatarsal bone is also angled inward, a curvature forms there. Due to friction inside the shoe, redness occurs on the inner side of the base of the first toe. We call this callosity a bunion.”

''THE REASON IT IS FREQUENTLY SEEN IN WOMEN...''

Stating that they apply surgical treatment in moderate and advanced cases, Altıntaş added, “In treatment, we can primarily recommend devices and physical therapy in the early stages. Surgical treatments are applied in moderate and advanced stages. There are over 100 surgical treatments defined to date. There is no standard treatment method applied to every patient. Surgical treatments can vary depending on the physician's experience and the patient. The reason it is frequently seen in women is specifically due to narrow-tipped, high-heeled shoes. High-heeled shoes disrupt the anatomy of the foot.”