Degenerative deformities may be due to an “invisible” developmental disease or weakness, or constant overload of the limb.

Flat feet and hallux valgus are not to be considered as diseases in themselves because there are millions of people in the world who walk throughout their life with these morphological “characteristics” and who never will experience any discomfort or pain.

On the other hand, flat feet and hallux valgus may be associated with or part of the expression of degenerative disease including pain and discomfort and then they can be successfully treated by orthopaedic surgical means without fear of recurrence and without functional limitations.