Bunions

Overview

Bunions are enlarged areas of the inner part of the big toe associated with a fluid-filled pad (bursa) underneath the often hardened outer skin. Bunions are caused by a swelling of the bursa of the metatarso-phalangeal joint (the joint that joins the toe to the foot) of the big toe, which in turn forces the toe to point inward as the joint itself protrudes outward.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of bunions is the large toe(s) moving inward and potentially becoming inflamed, creating mild to extreme pain.

Note: Bunions need to be treated or will get worse. Mild bunions can be treated mechanically though larger ones may require surgery.

Causes

Bunions occur more frequently in women who wear pointed and tight-fitting shoes. However, bunions can often be hereditary.

To correct or improve a bunion, structural and functional correction of the postural and mechanical (weight-bearing) factors that led to its development is required. Fallen arches, postural muscle imbalance in the legs and pelvic area, and problems involving low back and pelvic joint mechanics, as well as habits of use (running, walking, and standing postures relating to work, sport, and general function) all need attention from skilled practitioners using manipulation and rehabilitation methods, including physical therapists, chiropractors, and osteopaths.

Do

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Diet

Supplements:

The following supplements can help improve the symptoms of bunions: DL-phenylalanine, D-phenylalanine, niacinamide, and magnesium. Although these supplements can improve symptoms of pain and inflammation, they will not get rid of the causes. Thus, they need to be taken on a regular basis several times per day to keep blood levels elevated. Improvement usually takes up to one month and will subside a short time after these nutrients are no longer taken.

Prescription and non-prescription medication:

What non-prescription and prescription drugs are you taking? Your non-prescription and prescription are partially the reason that you have this condition – you need to get off these medications, but do so only under the guidance of a licensed health care practitioner.

Mind

We know that when the body is out of balance, energy doesn’t flow, leading blockages and eventually disease. Here are some things you can do to combat stress and restore balance:

Go to a Dr. Morter BEST (Bio-Energetic Synchronisation Technique) Practitioner.
Sign up for Energetic Re-Balancing: 2 practitioners to consider are:
- Stephen Lewis, founder of the Aim Program. Find out more by clicking here.
- . Find out more by clicking here.
Consider using Mary Millers Iching System Products – ichingsystemsinstruments.com
Reiki healing is very powerful in releasing stress and emotional baggage. Find a practitioner here.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) has had remarkable results in dissolving stress. Find a local practitioner here or go to www.thetappingsolution.com or www.tftrx.com
Try Hypnotherapy to relax the mind. Find a practitioner here.

Remedies

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Articles

Ayurvedic Medicine

As always the fastest most effective way to receive tailored advice to your own situation, you should visit a local licensed practitioner. Find your closest Ayurvedic practitioners here

One remedy that your practitioner may suggest is rubbing castor oil into the inflamed joint three times a day.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

To receive bespoke advice based upon your own situation you should visit a local licensed practitioner. Find your closest Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners here

Your practitioner may suggest Zheng gu shui – an ointment which warms the joints and helps to break up calcium deposits which are found in bunions and also acupuncture treatments to break up energy blockages in the meridian channels.

Aromatherapy

Chamomile, eucalyptus, cajuput, peppermint, ginger, cypress and juniper essential oils help various joint problems due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Make a massage blend with a drop of each oil in a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil.

To ensure positive results, always check that the essential oil is a 100% pure plant distillation and that it comes from a reputable source.

Homeopathic Medicine

Owing to the principles behind homeopathy it is essential you see a licensed practitioner to receive your own personalised prescription. Find your closest Homeopath here

Your practitioner may suggest Ruta grav., Silicea, and Arnica as useful remedies. Benz ac, may also be prescribed but this remedy must be taken alone, not in combination, like the other remedies.

Herbs

Aloe vera juice, parsley tea, and calendula are all useful for helping to relieve the pain caused by bunions. Calendula lotion is also recommended.

Other

Lifestyle: Walk barefoot whenever possible. Exercise your feet, rolling them back and forth, from heel to toe, over a bottle. Avoid tight fitting shoes and heels. Try taping your bunion/s straight see video section for more info.

Reflexology: Has been found to increase mobility in the big toe joint after a reflexology session as well as reducing inflammation and redness.

Yoga – The physical postures and breathing exercises comprising the practice of yoga have long been proven by scientific research to promote feelings of relaxation while simultaneously strengthening the body. Research conducted since the 1970s has shown that regular yoga practice not only relieves stress, and stressful emotions such as anxiety and depression, but also improves blood pressure rates and overall cardiovascular health. Yoga is also effective for reducing pain, improving gastrointestinal and respiratory function, and for improving cognitive function and enhancing sight and hearing.

Note: If you are just beginning to explore yoga, it is recommended that you initially do so under the guidance of a trained yoga instructor who can guide you to become aware of the subtleties involved in each yoga posture as well as the corresponding method of breathing.

Alternative Professional Care
If your symptoms persist despite the above measures, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following professional care therapies have all been shown to be useful for treating and relieving the symptoms of bunions: Bodywork, Chiropractic, Magnetic Field Therapy, Massage Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathy and Prolotherapy. (See Glossary for descriptions of these Alternative Therapies.)