How to beat bunions

Q. I have a bunion on my right foot. How can I stop it getting worse and is it possible to reverse the problem? A. More than 15 per cent of women in the UK suffer from bunions, due in part to our liking for pointy toes and high heels. Men may develop them, too, but far fewer do. Many sufferers have a family history of bunions.

A bunion (hallux valgus) is a deformity of the big toe joint. The main sign is the big toe pointing towards, and sometimes overlapping, the other toes on the foot. This may force the outer bone of the big toe to stick out and a bump to form. The big toe joint may be swollen and painful, especially when wearing shoes.

The extent of pain varies and may not be reflected in the foot’s appearance: some joints look normal but are painful and stiff, whereas more pronounced bunions can cause little pain. It is always wise to get it checked by a GP or qualified podiatrist (scpod.org/find-a-podiatrist).

There is no easy way to treat a bunion, according to podiatrist and foot expert Margaret Dabbs (margaretdabbs.co.uk), whose clinics offer a range of treatments, including laser therapy and acupuncture. Dabbs has devised a Bunion Support (£30/victoriahealth.com), a soft, reinforced splint that straps around the foot to encourage normal alignment. (It is too bulky to fit inside most shoes, so best to wear at home for short periods and build up gradually.) Like other podiatric clinics, Dabbs offers bespoke orthotic inserts for shoes.

Topical pain relief can help flare-ups. Over-the-counter analgesics include ibuprofen gel. Pharmacist Shabir Daya says natural Boswellia and Commiphora Cream (£9.95/victoriahealth.com) is helpful for arthritic conditions.

In severe cases, the treatment solution is surgery. Many people are nervous about this, although it is effective for the majority of patients. However, recovery takes several weeks and a range of complications occurs in up to ten per cent ofinstances. The most recent technique is minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery under local anaesthetic, but results have not yet been evaluated.

Experts agree that bunion sufferers should leave the Louboutins for parties and wear wide-toed, soft shoes with a flat or low heel. Flimsy flip-flops are not recommended, as they offer no support. However, FitFlop sandals help general foot alignment and their thick, super-cushioned soles act as a shock absorber. A bunion-suffering colleague is devoted to her sandals (as am I – and I don’t have bunions). Foot and ankle surgeon Mr. Mark Davies recommends FitFlops for post-operative wear.

BRUSH AWAY GUM DISEASE

A reader with gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) writes to say that Zymbion Q-10 Toothpaste (£7.95), which contains coenzyme Q10 and fluoride, is ‘amazing. I take an oral supplement, too, but since I started using the toothpaste as well I’ve had absolutely no bleeding,’ she says. Those who prefer fluoride-free toothpaste could try Aloe Dent Triple Action Toothpaste (£4.09, both at victoriahealth.com), which contains coenzyme Q10, tea tree oil, green tea and natural whitening silica, plus soothing aloe vera.

FOUR OF THE BEST EXOTIC WELLNESS TEAS

1 T2 Liquorice Legs Loose Leaf Herbal Tisane (£8 for 100g/t2tea.com). Perfect for anyone who loves a proper pot of loose-leaf tea, this energising, minty-fresh brew has a sweet note from the liquorice.

2 Krocus Kozanis Herbal Tea with Honey, Orange & Saffron (£3.50 for 10 sachets, greeksaffron.co.uk). Saffron has been lauded as a medicinal plant since ancient times and Greek saffron growers welcome guests with this fragrant tea. Delicious served hot or cold.

3 Voya Fennel Fusion Organic Seaweed Tea (£9.40 for 20 sachets/voya.ie). A colleague loves this refreshing blend from Ireland’s west coast, which is designed to help detoxify your body and aid digestion.

4 Pukka Herbs Turmeric Gold Tea (£2.39 for 20 sachets/pukkaherbs.com). This organic blend features the golden Indian spice turmeric, which fights inflammation of all kinds, plus green tea, cardamom and lemon.