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Hallux valgus is deviation of the great toe towards the lateral side. This may be severe (left) or mild (right).

Soft tissue procedure to correct hallux valgus. The soft tissues between the first and the second toe are released with a knife.

 

Postoperative radiograph of a Chevron osteotomy on both sides. The first metatarsal head was displaced laterally and fixed with a screw.

Hallux rigidus is mostly caused by arthrosis of the hallux joint. The radiograph shows complete obliteration of the joint space.

Hammer toe deformity: the second toe buckles upward and causes pressure against the shoe.

Claw toe deformity: the tip of the second toe is elevated off the ground. In this patient, it is caused by hallux valgus, i.e. deviation of the great toe laterally.

In metatarsalgia, overloading underneath the centre of the forefoot leads to a painful callus.

In flat foot, the medial border of the foot rests on the ground when standing. This rerely causes symptoms and in this case requires no treatment.

In heel pain, a heel spur may be present at the bottom of the heel bone. However, this is not the cause of pain and does not have to be removed.

Fusion of the ankle joint (arthrodesis) with screws may be necessary in degenerative arthrosis of the joint. The loss of motion is usually well compensated by other joints and patients are able to walk almost normally.

In ankle joint replacement, a prosthesis of metal and polyethylene is inserted following excision of the joint. Motion is 20-30°, but the longevity of these implants has not yet been proven.