Definition:
Hallux Valgus is the lateral displacement of the great toe, often accompanying varus of the first metatarsal. It may become inflamed, tender, swollen (bunion), but often not painful. It influences balance, stability, locomotion and jumping. Some causes may be walking turned out, in pointe shoes too early, high heels, tight shoes, and hereditary tendencies.
In the article, "The Pathogenesis of Hallux Valgus", we found that "in some feet, there is a genetic predisposition for a nonlinear osseous alignment or a laxity of the static stabilizers that disrupts this muscle balance. Poor footwear plays an important role in accelerating the process, but occupation and excessive walking and weight-bearing are unlikely to be notable factors" (Perera). Therefore, shoes can have a large impact on the determination of Hallux Valgus in dancers' or an average person's feet. Not only is Hallux Valgus caused by shoes or certain types of dance, it is extremely hereditary and in a study done about three generation pedigree charts, "ninety percent of probands had at least one family member affected"(Pique-Vidal) with the deviation. Given this information, we can see how Hallux Valgus has the potential to correlate to dancers in various genres.
