Alternative Treatment for Bunions

Bunions are a painful condition of the big toe that occurs when the bones in the big toe get out of alignment. This condition causes inflammation and a sac filled with fluid occurring on the toes. This painful condition can be treated with surgery. There are also many alternative treatments for bunions that can be considered. It's important to note that while many of these treatments are relatively safe, most are not medically tested.

Herbal Remedies

• There are many alleged herbal remedies for bunions. Calendula can be applied as a salve directly to the bunions two to three times a day for a week. Turmeric capsules are supposed to help treat the pain of bunions. Willow, called an "herbal aspirin" at Mother Nature is approved by the FDA as a callus and wart remover. It may help treat bunions as well.

  Salicylic acid has been used to treat corns and bunions and can be bought over the counter. Arnica is used by many homeopaths to treat bunions. Chamomile tea, applied directly to the toe, may help treat the inflammation. Clove oil, used by dentists to treat tooth pain, can also help treat the pain of bunions.

Acupuncture

• One of the oldest forms of medicine is acupuncture. This ancient Chinese medicine has been used to treat pain and even to stop people from smoking. Acupuncture is the process of stimulating nerves and joints on the body using needles. According to the Bunion Experiment, bunions are located next to two acupuncture points. An acupuncture specialist would stimulate these points with needles to help relieve the pain and even reverse the bunion growth process.

  The Bunion Experiment also suggests an at-home bunion treatment by applying zheng gu shui, a Chinese medical liquid, directly on your acupuncture and bunion points. This liquid allegedly will help stimulate the breakup of calcium deposits and bone deformities that lead to bunions.

Diet

• Eating a proper diet can help solve and prevent many medical problems. It may help treat bunions or at the very least prevent them. Citrus fruits like kiwis, oranges, currants and grapefruits are high in Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an excellent, and proven, anti-inflammation tool. Though it may not be tasty, try to include the white layer that is under the peel. This layer contains bioflavonoids which help Vitamin C work more strongly.

  Foods with linoleic and linolenic acid should also be eaten as these oils help the body create anti-inflammatory chemicals. Foods that contain these oils include nuts and nut oils like flaxseed oil. Pineapple contains bromelain, a chemical that helps treat inflammation. Fatty and fried foods should be avoided.