The effects of taping and foot exercises on patients with hallux valgus: a preliminary study

Abstract

Aim: To determine the effects of taping and foot exercises on patients with hallux valgus. Materials and methods: The study included 20 female patients. The subjects were divided into 2 groups, the study and control groups. The study group was treated with taping and foot exercises, and the control group was treated only with foot exercises. A goniometer was used to determine the angle of hallux valgus. Foot pain intensity was assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS), and walking ability was evaluated using the walking ability scale (WAS). Results: At the end of the 8-week treatment period, a significant decrease was found in hallux valgus angle, resting pain, and walking pain in both groups (P < 0.05). Also, walking ability improved at least 1 grade in the study group. When the post-treatment results between the 2 groups were compared, the results were significantly different in favor of the study group with regard to decreased hallux valgus angle, resting and walking pain, and walking ability (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that a combined treatment program consisting of both taping and exercise had more beneficial effects than exercise alone on hallux valgus angle, foot pain, and walking ability in patients with hallux valgus.