Hallux Valgus

Treatment for hallux valgus is divided into three stages. ① Acute Inflammatory Phase (0–4 weeks): Focus on reducing bursal inflammation and swelling using acupuncture, bee venom acupuncture, and pharmacopuncture. Taping and insoles are used in conjunction to reduce weight bearing. ② Subacute Functional Recovery Phase (4–8 weeks): Separation of adhesions between the medial joint capsule and the adductor pollicis brevis muscle using moxibustion needles, and promotion of local regeneration using fire acupuncture. ③ Maintenance and Recurrence Prevention Phase (After 8 weeks): Restoration of ligament elasticity through thread insertion, combined with foot muscle strength rehabilitation exercises. From a Korean medicine perspective, treatment proceeds in the following order: ① Elimination of pathogenic factors (wind, cold, and dampness) (Stage of pathogenic factor excess) → ② Detachment of blood stasis and phlegm (straight needles and fire needles) → ③ Tonification of the spleen and kidneys (restoration of vital energy through herbal medicine and thread insertion). At each stage, the body's condition is re-evaluated to determine the timing for entering the next stage. At Dongjedang, tissue changes are tracked using ultrasound to serve as objective grounds for stage transitions.