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Bunions (Hallux valgus)

What you need to know:

Although many people used to blame bunions on wearing shoes with very pointed toes, this condition very often runs in families. If one of your parents or grandparents had them, you’re quite likely to get them too - even if you only ever wear sensible Clark’s sandals or Doc Martins.

However, if you’re a young woman and wear this year’s very elegant high-heeled shoes with pointed toes all the time, you’re heading for trouble. Great - and very sexy - if you’re going out, but not when you’re on your feet all day at work, running for a bus or train, driving for hours or dashing around the supermarket. And apart from the risk of bunions, you’ll be putting your back, knees and achilles tendons at risk, too.

It’s just as important to make sure that your socks are the right size - especially for young children, as their bones are soft and can easily be deformed by the pressure of tight socks.

There are some ways you can help yourself if you have bunions:
  • Get some foam rubber toe spacers - you can buy them from any chemist
  • Put one between the big and second toe so that it gently pushes the big toe into its proper alignment.
  • Change them regularly and throw them away when they become decompressed
Do this exercise as often as you can:
  • Take a wide 4-6 in. rubber band
  • Sit with your heels together and put the band round the tips of both big toes
  • Keeping your heels together, twist your legs outwards so that your feet form a V shape
  • Hold for a minute. Repeat 10 times
  • Do this exercise as many times a day as you can
If you already have arthritic bunions, these natural anti-inflammatories will help.

The most useful Herbs:

  • Birch
  • Black cohosh
  • Meadowsweet
  • Poplar
  • Willow
  • Devil’s claw
  • Ginger - extracts of the medicinal Chinese variety of this herb

The most useful Supplements:

  • Green-lipped mussel extract
  • Evening primrose oil
  • Glucosamine
  • Cod liver oil
  • Fish oils
  • Pycnogenol
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This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk).
The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.