Hallux valgus, commonly known as “big toe bone”, is a common foot structural deformation. The incidence rate is particularly high among women and the elderly. In recent years, more and more parents have begun to pay attention: Is the child’s foot a little crooked? Is it an early hallux valgus?
So, many people began to look for a more scientific way to detect. Recently, a smart device called “foot scanner” has become popular on the market. Many correction institutions are promoting: one-stop foot detection, easily identifying various foot problems, including hallux valgus!
But the question is – can the foot scanner really check hallux valgus? Is it reliable?
Today we will talk about whether this new tool that is being exposed to more and more families is “as magical as you think”.
1. What is a foot scanner?
A foot scanner is a device that uses laser or optical sensing technology to obtain three-dimensional data such as the arch, height, center of gravity, and size of the plantar.
It can accurately capture every detail of the sole of the foot when standing statically, so as to analyze whether there are abnormal phenomena such as flat feet, valgus, inversion, and pressure concentration.
Simply put, it is like a “high-tech camera” that can “take pictures” of the shape, structure, and force of the foot, and generate visual data and charts.
2. Can it check hallux valgus?
The answer is: Yes.
A three-dimensional scanner (3D foot scan) can obtain the three-dimensional shape of the foot, including the height of the instep, the contour of the arch, the width of the forefoot, the arrangement of the toes, etc.
Whether the big toe is deviated, whether the big toe joint is protruding, and whether the forefoot is widened can all be seen at a glance.
In other words, a high-precision 3D scanner can assist in identifying hallux valgus and determine its severity.
3. Don’t just rely on scanning, professional evaluation is the key
Although foot scanners provide an intuitive and quick way to detect hallux valgus, in order to accurately determine whether it is hallux valgus, it is still necessary to combine the clinical observation and manual evaluation of professional doctors, such as:
Whether the big toe deviation angle exceeds 15 degrees
Whether there is joint pain, redness, swelling or friction callus
Whether the gait is abnormal, such as inward-toed, outward-toed or unstable walking
Whether there is a genetic tendency for hallux valgus in the family history
Therefore, foot scanning is a powerful auxiliary means, but it is not a diagnostic standard, especially during the growth and development period of children, which requires more comprehensive judgment
