Homeopathy For Bunions

If the thumb-side toe of the foot (aka: big toe) hurts while walking, and there’s swelling present, it could mean there’s a  bunion forming. Bunion refers to a medical condition (Hallux Valgus) in which a bony bump occurs on the outer side of the joint at base of big toe. There is an enlargement of joint between the big toe and the foot (the metatarsophalangeal joint). It is accompanied by displacement or tilting inward of the affected big toe. There may be redness and soreness of skin over the bunion. Sometimes, little bunions may form on the joint of little toe which are known as Bunionettes. Conventional diagnosis is confirmed by X-ray. Pain in the great toe can be indicative of a bunion, gout or arthritis or a combination of these. You can learn to differentiate by sight. 

Signs And Symptoms Of Bunion

• Bump on outer side of the big toe

• Turning of big toe towards other toes of the affected foot

• Swelling, inflammation or redness of area over the bump of the affected great toe

• Pain in feet on walking or otherwise

• Numbness in big toe

• Limited movement of big toe

• Thickening of skin under the big toe

• Corn or Callus formation on second toe where it rubs with the big toe. (Corns and callus are thick, hard, rough areas on the skin caused by excessive friction or pressure)

• In a few cases, fluid-filled eruptions (blisters) appear on the skin of the big toe.

What Causes Bunions?

There is no one confirmed cause behind bunions but the following factors are linked with bunion formation.

• Genetics play a role, it is because of an anomaly in the foot structure that predisposes a person to bunion formation.

• Flat foot or other foot deformities present at birth

• Injury to feet

• Wearing of tight shoes or pointed shoes or high-heeled shoes

• Some types of arthritis (joint inflammation) especially rheumatoid arthritis

• Standing continuously for prolonged period of time

Complications Of Bunion

• Bursitis: The Bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that surrounds bones near the  joint. Bursa contains synovial fluid that helps to reduce friction of bone with other structures like ligaments, muscles and tendons during joint movement. It can get swollen and inflamed (bursitis) when big toe joint gets bigger due to bunion formation.

• Metatarsalgia: In this condition, the ball of the foot becomes painful and swollen.

• Hammertoe: Bending of middle joint of a toe especially the toe adjacent to big toe (in the case of Bunions)

Top Homeopathic Remedies for Bunion

1. Benzoic Acid – Top Medicine for Bunion

Benzoic Acid has given great clinical results in bunion cases. It is a top remedy for treating swelling and redness in the big toe, with severe pain. The pain can be stitching pain or tearing pain. At times, burning is also felt. Those who need Benzoic acid also suffer from numbness in the toes.This homeopathic medicine is also of great help when the pain in the big toe is worse at night. The pain and swelling is reduced very quickly with the use of Benzoic Acid. 

2. Silicea – For Bunion with Blister Formation

For treating bunions where blisters have been formed on the big toe along with other features, Silicea is the most beneficial homeopathic medicine. In most cases, the blisters contain fluid or pus and Silicea is a good homeopathic remedy in both the cases. Along with blisters, pain can be felt in the toe or it can extend throughout the sole of the foot. The pain can be boring, tearing or shooting in nature. The pain is so violent that the sufferer is unable to step on his feet. A marked characteristic feature of someone who may need Silicea is sweaty feet that are often offensive in nature. (It can also be affective without blister formation). 

3. Hypericum – To Manage Severe Pain In Big Toe Due To Bunion

It is of great help in all those cases of bunions where severe excruciating pain is felt in the big toe. The pain can at times be specifically described by the patient like that of a pricking needle. The severe pain and prickling indicates involvement of nerves. The toe is also worse when touched and is accompanied by swelling. Homeopathic Hypericum will address the pain, without any side effects!

4. Rhus Tox – Ideal for bunions aggravated by immobility and relieved by movement

Useful for bunions with swelling and thickening of the bursa or joint capsule. The toe may appear distorted, and pain worsens during rest but improves with walking. Stiffness and discomfort are common.

5. Ruta Graveolens -  Best for bunions where pain is triggered or worsened by standing or walking

Similar to Rhus Tox, it is indicated for bunions with swelling and thickening of the bursa or joint capsule. Pain worsens when standing or walking, and the toe may be distorted. Ruta is particularly effective for conditions involving tendons and ligaments.

6. Antimonium Crudum – To Manage Corns And Callus On Toes

In some cases of bunion, corns or callus may form where the first and second toe rub with each other. Here, Antimonium Crudum is the most beneficial. It helps to heal corns and calluses. It also helps to manage pain and tenderness in corns, if present.

7. Ammonium Carb – To Relieve Redness, Swelling And Pain Of Big Toe

This medicine is well indicated to reduce redness, swelling and pain in big toe. In cases needing it, these symptoms get worse in evening. Heat or burning sensation is felt in big toe. Pressure on the toe from wearing shoes worsens burning and pain.

8. Rhododendron - Best for gouty bunions with weather-related aggravation

Effective for bunions associated with gout, featuring swelling and tearing pain. Symptoms may worsen before stormy weather or in damp conditions.

9. Zincum Met – For Bunionette

This medicine is recommended when bunion is present on the little toe. Though it can be used for bunion on any side but is most helpful for left-sided bunion on little toe. In cases needing it, stinging pain is felt in the bunion. The pain is usually felt while walking.

Things To Keep In Mind For Bunion Prevention

• Select the shoes carefully. Avoid tight and narrow pointed toe shoes and choose wide toe box shoes.

• Wear shoes that fit correctly. The shoes you wear should not squeeze any part of the foot

• Avoid wearing high heeled footwear as it puts pressure in the front of the feet

• Wear shoes with padded soles that provide enough wiggle room for toes 

• Tape your foot into a normal position to reduce pressure off the bunion

• Wear arch supports in your shoes 

• Consider doing ‘foot yoga.’ Practice standing with equal weight on the 4 corners of the foot with you toes stretched apart and slightly gripping your yoga mat or better yet, grass. Feel the sensation of your feet touching the ground. 

If you need help treating a foot condition of any kind, please reach out: Livingwellhomeopahty@gmail.com