Alternative Medicine For Bunions and Corns

Bunions are painful, swollen pads overlying the joint at the base of the big toe. They begin as an inflammation of the joint, which swells so that the overlying skin becomes red, hard, and sore. If left untreated, the ligaments in the toes shorten, pushing them together in what often becomes a permanent deformity. Bunions are caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, but they can be hereditary. Bunions can occur for a number of reasons, but a common cause is wearing shoes that fit too tightly. They can also develop as a result of inherited structural defect, injury, stress on your foot or another medical condition. Often, treatment involves conservative steps that may include changing your shoes, padding your bunion and wearing shoe inserts. Severe cases of bunions may require surgery to relieve the pain. Some of the symptoms of bunions include inflammation, swelling, and soreness on the side surface of the big toe. Bunions can be related to inflammation or to degenerative disease (e.g., osteoarthritis). They cause redness, tenderness, and pain, and alter the normal position of the first toe. "Hallux abductovalgus" (HAV) is a term that refers to the hallux going away (abducting) from the midline of the body and twisting so the inside edge touches the ground and the outside edge turns upward.

Corns are painful wedges of hard skin that result from excess pressure on the surface of the skin of the toes or the soles of the feet. Corns are usually caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, but may also occur when shoes are worn without socks. They are most common in people with high arches, because the arch increases the pressure on the toes when walking.

Treatment

It is important to wear comfortable, professionally fitted shoes, and to ensure that your feet are rested every day. A circular corn pad can be worn to reduce pressure on the corn itself. Consult a podiatrist for severe or recalcitrant cases.

Diet and Nutrition Biochemic tissue salts for bunions include Ferr. phos. and Kali mur.

Massage To treat bunnions massage your toes with oil of peppermint, blended in a light carrier oil, to stimulate the circulation and prevent swelling. Self-mobilize the toe by gently pulling it and moving it around.

Corns may be massaged with warm oil to soften the hardened skin before removal.

Homeopathy Specific treatments may include Belladonna, Bryonia, Pulsatilla, and Ruta grav.

Hydrotherapy Footbaths with mustard, Epsom salts, arnica, and oils of peppermint, lavender, camomile, and geranium will relieve symptoms and discourage swelling.

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Title:	Alternative Medicine For Bunions and Corns
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Alternative Medicine For Bunions and Corns