Q I heard that having hallux valgus can also worsen knee and lower back problems.
A If your walking pattern changes due to hallux valgus, the load can be concentrated sequentially on your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back, potentially causing pain. In particular, if you are unable to shift your weight onto your big toe, it can overload the medial portion of your knee, accelerating degenerative changes. Combining foot treatment with gait correction can help prevent upper joint problems.
Detailed Answer
Hallux valgus reduces toe-off, altering the weight-shifting pattern during walking. This can lead to: ① lateral ankle instability, ② overloading the medial compartment of the knee (increasing the risk of medial degenerative arthritis), ③ weakness of the hip external rotator muscles, and ④ a tendency toward lumbar scoliosis. For those living in terrain with many hills and stairs, such as Dong-gu in Incheon, these chain effects may manifest more rapidly. In Korean medicine, the feet, knees, and lumbar spine are connected by a single meridian system. If stagnation of Qi and blood in the feet is not resolved, blood stasis propagates along the meridians to the knees and lower back. At Dongjedang, when treating hallux valgus, we evaluate the condition of the knees and lumbar spine together, and if necessary, extend the scope of acupuncture treatment to related areas to restore the flow of meridians throughout the body.
Related FAQs
-
Q
I have early-stage hallux valgus. Can I be completely cured if I start treatment now?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
Is it possible to manage severe deformities with Korean medicine treatment without surgery?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
Are there any foot exercises that help with hallux valgus?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
Are insoles or orthotics really effective?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
I am afraid of the acupuncture procedure. Is it safe?
#Safety