Effects of Plantar Sensory Training in Individuals With Hallux Valgus.

Hallux valgus is a forefoot deformity with a high prevalence, which can progress to lateral deviation of the big toe, medial deviation of the first metatarsal, and subluxation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in the future. It has been reported in studies that changes in the load distribution of the foot in hallux valgus patients, hyperkeratosis, especially first-line pain, and sensory receptors on the sole of the foot may result in the effect of sensory receptors on the sole of the foot, and thus the balance may be negatively affected, poor postural stability and an increase in the risk of falling. It is thought that increased sensitivity to the senses coming from the feet with sensory training can improve the balance and reduce the risk of falling as a result of better perception of foot orientation and position.

Achieving balance depends on the visual, vestibular and somatosensory systems working together and in interaction. One of the important components of the somatosensory system is the cutaneous receptors. Merkel discs, Paccini corpuscles, Meissner corpuscles and Ruffini endings are located on the plantar surface of the foot, which makes contact with the ground. Plantar cutaneous receptors are sensitive to pressure during ground contact and provide site-specific information for cortical mapping and may affect postural responses. It is recommended that sensory training of the sole of the foot, rough insoles and transcutaneous electrical stimulation applications should be added to rehabilitation in order to increase the afferent sensory feedback from the sole of the foot in patients with multiple sclerosis, starting from the early stages of the disease. It has been reported in studies that the sensory input of different foot regions has an important role in the transition and timing of the stance and swing phase in gait. It has been suggested that cutaneous reflexes in the foot can provide functional locomotion and modulation of lower extremity flexor and extensor muscle activity. It has been reported in studies that changes in the load distribution of the foot in hallux valgus patients, hyperkeratosis, especially first-line pain, and sensory receptors on the sole of the foot may result in the effect of sensory receptors on the sole of the foot, and thus the balance may be negatively affected, poor postural stability and an increase in the risk of falling. It is thought that increased sensitivity to the senses coming from the feet with sensory training can improve the balance and reduce the risk of falling as a result of better perception of foot orientation and position. Therefore, the aim of our study; It was determined as the examination of the effect of plantar sensory training on pain, foot posture, functional activities, gait and balance parameters in individuals with hallux valgus.