Bunions are an often painful bump located on or near the joint where your big toe joins your foot or on the inside edge of your big toe. Bunions are a common health problem among Americans, especially American women. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that over 50 percent of women in the United States have bunions, and that 90 percent of bunions occur in women. To better understand the role of diet and nutrition in treating your bunions, meet with your primary care provider.
Causes
Possible causes of bunions include genetics, anatomical abnormalities in your feet and the use of inappropriate footwear. The long-term use of shoes that possess narrow toe-boxes and elevated heels may be particularly likely to cause bunions. Commonly experienced signs and symptoms associated with bunions include a big toe that points toward your other toes, joint pain in the metatarsophalangeal joint of your big toe and redness and inflammation in your affected area. In some cases, bunions may lead to arthritis.
Dietary Approach
One of the most helpful dietary approaches in treating or preventing bunions may involve consuming foods that reduce inflammation. Beneficial foods for eliminating or reducing inflammation throughout your body include salmon, sardines, papaya, pineapple, onions, blueberries and strawberries. Eliminating foods or beverages that encourage inflammation in your body -- sugar-rich foods, soft drinks and foods containing white flour -- may also be helpful in treating your bunions.
Featured Food
Pineapple may be one of the most commonly used foods in treating the inflammation, swelling and soreness that often accompany bunions. Pineapple contains a group of protein-digesting enzymes called bromelain. Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory agent that has historically been used in treating musculoskeletal health problems, including swelling, tenderness and pain.
Warning
Bunions are not a life-threatening condition, but they can significantly reduce your quality of life. Bunions may lead to serious health complications, including long-term foot pain and foot deformity. If you develop the common signs and symptoms of this foot problem, report to your primary care provider as soon as possible. Although diet may be a helpful adjunct therapy in treating your bunions, it is unlikely to cure your condition, especially if you do not change your offending footwear.
References
- Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Bunions
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Bunions
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "The Natural Pharmacy"; Alan R. Gaby, M.D.; 2006
