Q Is it possible to manage severe deformities with Korean medicine treatment without surgery?
A While surgical correction is the fundamental solution for severe deformities with a hallux valgus angle of 40° or more, pain management and function maintenance are possible through Korean medicine treatment if surgery is not desired or not feasible. It is also realistic to use Korean medicine treatment before surgery to reduce inflammation and improve surgical outcomes, or to utilize it for post-operative rehabilitation. It is important to set realistic expectations.
Detailed Answer
Limitations of non-surgical treatment for severe hallux valgus (HVA 40° or more): ① Structural correction is impossible with external treatment alone due to significant misalignment of bones and joints, ② Pain management becomes complex if secondary deformities (bunionette, hammertoe) are already present. Nevertheless, treatment can be pursued with realistic goals, such as reducing pain VAS by more than 50%, maintaining walking distance, and preserving function during the waiting period for surgery.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
In severe cases, blood stasis and phlegm are deeply entrenched, making it difficult to reverse structural deformities with external treatment alone. However, by suppressing chronic inflammation of the bursa through moxibustion and bee venom acupuncture, and improving the internal inflammatory environment with herbal medicine tailored to the patient's constitution, it is possible to continue daily life while maintaining low pain levels. Even if surgery is decided upon, improving physical strength and blood flow through pre-operative Korean medicine treatment accelerates surgical recovery.
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