A bunion is a prominent bump that may develop at the joint that joins your big toe to your foot, and it is comprised of bone and soft tissue. Numerous factors may contribute to bunion formation. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that bunions are nine times more common in women than men, perhaps because women are likely to choose footwear that exacerbates bunion formation. Nutritional factors may also contribute to this condition. Before using nutritional therapy to help treat or prevent bunions, review all relevant nutrition-related topics with your doctor.
About Bunions
Possible causes of bunions include foot injuries, congenital foot deformities and the long-term use of high-heeled footwear and footwear with tapered toe boxes. According to MayoClinic.com, bunions may also be caused by inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis. Bunions grow slowly over time, and the larger your bunion becomes, the more painful it may become to walk. In many cases, bursitis -- inflammation of fluid-filled sacs that ease friction between your tissues -- may accompany your bunion.
Dietary Remedies
Because bunions may be related to inflammatory diseases in some individuals, and because bursitis is commonly associated with this condition, an anti-inflammatory diet involving certain dietary additions and subtractions may one of the most helpful nutritional therapies in treating this health problem. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch states that eating foods high in flavonoids or quercetin -- onions, strawberries, blueberries -- may help reduce inflammation. Increasing your consumption of raw foods may also be beneficial. To mitigate inflammation throughout your body, consider eliminating soft drinks, sugar, junk food and refined flour products.
Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements that help quell inflammation in your body may be among the most helpful substances in treating your bunions or reducing your bunion-related symptoms. Examples of anti-inflammatory nutritional supplements, notes naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," include arnica, turmeric, white willow, feverfew and burdock. Other beneficial nutritional supplements for bunions may include omega-3 fatty acids, grape seed extract, bromelain and selenium.
Considerations
Bunions are not a life-threatening health problem, but they can impair your ability to walk, decrease your quality of life and lead to other health problems, such as prolonged foot pain and alterations in your normal foot anatomy. Nutritional therapy -- including both dietary changes and the use of nutritional supplements -- may be a helpful adjunct therapy in treating or preventing bunions, but the use of these natural healing measures does not guarantee a favorable health result. Some foods and supplements may cause undesired health effects if they are not used properly. Work with your podiatrist or health-care provider to establish a treatment plan for bunions.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Bunion Surgery
- MayoClinic.com: Bunions
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
