Comparison of the effectiveness of kinesio taping and a valgus splint in hallux valgus treatment

Background The human feet are the first element of the biokinematic chain and have a significant effect on the functioning of the entire body. The most common foot deformities include hallux valgus and there is a correlation between hallux valgus and the occurrence of other pathologies in the foot and lower leg, including e.g. limited mobility of the joints of the foot and the ankle-shin joint. Surgery is the most frequently used treatment method for hallux valgus but according to the suggestion of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, patients should receive conservative treatments before surgical treatment which may also support the effects of surgical treatment after surgery. There are still no reports in the available literature confirming the effectiveness of kinesio taping and valgus splints in the treatment of hallux valgus. Objective Comparison of the influence of kinesio taping and a valgus splint on range of extension and flexion in the metatarsophalangeal joints and interphalangeal joints of the hallux, the ankle-shin joints and flexibility of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Methods A total of 113 women were allocated to 5 groups: group EKT (hallux valgus; exercises and kinesio taping), group EO (hallux valgus; exercises and valgus night splint), group E (hallux valgus; exercises), group C1 (no hallux valgus; no intervention) and group C2 (hallux valgus; no intervention). The rehabilitation programme lasted 12 weeks. Exercises were performed for 45 minutes twice a week, KT tapes were changed every 4 days and the valgus night splints were put on every night. The range of motion in the selected joints was assessed with a goniometer and flexibility tests of selected muscles were performed. Results Statistically significant improvements were observed in flexion in the left metatarsophalangeal joint in the group EKT group (p=0.02) and in the right foot in the EO group (p=0.01). With respect to flexion and extension, a statistically significant improvement in the left ankle-shin joint was observed in the EKT group (p=0.02; p=0.04). For flexion in the right interphalangeal joint statistically significant changes were observed for the EKT (improvement; p=0.01) and C2 (deterioration; p=0.04) groups. An improvement in the flexibility of the soleus muscle was observed in the EKT (left foot p=0.03 and p=0.00; right foot p=0.04 and p=0,01) and EO (left foot p=0.04; right foot p=0.04) groups. Conclusions All the assessed methods effectively improved several indicators in the surveyed women, but exercises combined with kinesio taping were the most effective.