The knowledge of beauty salon clients about hallux valgus therapy. Preliminary study

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Hallux valgus is a frequent painful deformity of the feet, and occurs most often in women of different ages. People with hallux valgus have, among others, a genetic predisposition, a weaker ligament-and joint structure of the foot, pes planus (flatfoot), rheumatoid arthritis, muscular balance disorders, are obese, and wear improper footwear. <br/><b>Purpose:</b> To assess the knowledge of beauty salon clients on the subject of professional care of hallux valgus. <br/><b>Materials and methods:</b> Research was conducted in a beauty salon in Lomza, Poland using an original questionnaire. The study was approved (No. 4/2013) by the senate of the Ethics Committee of the Lomza State University of Applied Sciences. <br/><b>Results:</b> The conducted research showed that 48% of the surveyed women dealt with hallux valgus using orthopedic insoles, and 26% underwent procedures recommended by a specialist. Respondents knew kinesiotherapy and taping as treatment methods for this ailment. The vast majority of the surveyed women would undergo non-surgical hallux valgus treatment, and only a few would opt for surgery. <br/><b>Conclusions:</b> The knowledge of the studied women about hallux valgus was quite extensive.