Bunion Health Dictionary

See CORNS AND BUNIONS.... bunions

A corn is a localised thickening of the cuticle or epidermis (see SKIN) affecting the foot. The thickening is of a conical shape; the point of the cone is directed inwards and is known as the ‘eye’ of the corn. A general thickening over a wider area is called a callosity. Bunion is a condition found over the joint at the base of the big toe, in which not only is there thickening of the skin, but the head of the metatarsal bone also becomes prominent. Hammer-toe is a condition of the second toe, often caused by short boots, in which the toe becomes bent at its two joints in such a way as to resemble a hammer.

Corns and bunions are caused by badly ?tting shoes, hence the importance of children and adults wearing properly ?tted footwear. Corns can be pared after softening in warm water, or painted with salicylic acid collodion or other proprietary preparations. Bad corns may need treatment by a chiropodist (see CHIROPODY). Bunions may require surgical treatment. Regular foot care is important in patients with DIABETES MELLITUS.... corns and bunions

 A bunion (hallux valgus) is a bony prominence on the inner side of the foot at the base of the big toe due to injury, flat feet, arthritis or narrow shoes. A corn (clavus) is an area of thickening and hardening of the skin, worse from friction or pressure on the toes.

Relieve pressure on the tender area by use of thick felt rings.

Alternatives. Internal (to reduce inflammation). Prickly Ash, Lignum Vitae (Guaiacum). Celery seed tea for elimination of uric acid.

Topical. Lobelia, Comfrey or St John’s Wort fomentation. Zinc and Castor oil ointment or cream. Comfrey cream. Bind a slice of lemon over bunion or corn at night. Wipe surface with a cut raw onion or garlic 2-3 times daily. Wipe with expressed orange-coloured juice of the fractured stem of Greater Celandine.

Paint with Liquid Extract Lobelia. (Ernest Cockayne FNIMH)

For corns, soak feet in hot soapy water; scrape away the corn and when dry cover with a plaster. Successful results reported with Houseleek steeped in Cider vinegar. Hundreds of corn-cures exist.

Old Yorkshire tradition: 2 teaspoons Epsom salts to a bowl of hot water for a foot-soak; finish off with a Castor oil wipe.

Greek traditional: Rub corn or bunion with lemon juice and leave on lemon rind overnight. Onion juice. Preventative: Anoint feet with Plantain oil believed to be effective. Cider vinegar as a lotion. Aromatherapy. Massage feet after soaking: Lavender, Geranium. ... corns, bunions