image from the Atlas of Clinical Surgery, 1908
The HVRC provides a range of curated information on the bunion (*Hallux Valgus). Our Bunion Research Specialist sifts through the World Wide Web to pick fascinating, relevant and irreverent information for the benefit of readers looking for a deeper understanding of the hallux valgus from scientific, emotional, self-healing and other perspectives. It includes information through the ages, various theories on alleviating bunions and forums to find fellow bunion-sufferers. This center is an ongoing work-in-progress.
*In Latin, hallux means big toe, and valgus means not straight, turned away
Disclaimer: Despite my own views on bunions, the HVRC aims to present a spectrum of views even if I don't find some of them agreeable or useful.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is a bunion? Do I have one?
How can I reduce my bunion?
Are orthotics the best way to go?
Are there others like me? How do they feel? What have they tried?
Is there an international standard for measuring the severity of a bunion?
Should I wear heels?
Should I go barefoot?
How do I massage my bunion?
Where can I find someone to massage my bunion?
How do you say 'bunion' in various languages?
Can I talk to my bunion?
How does my bunion feel?
Does bunion surgery hurt? Does it work?
How chronic is my bunion?
Are there people who think bunions are sexy?
On average, how many nerve endings are there in a bunion?
How about Paul Bunyan?
What is a bunion? Do I have one?
How can I reduce my bunion?
Are orthotics the best way to go?
Are there others like me? How do they feel? What have they tried?
Is there an international standard for measuring the severity of a bunion?
Should I wear heels?
Should I go barefoot?
How do I massage my bunion?
Where can I find someone to massage my bunion?
How do you say 'bunion' in various languages?
Can I talk to my bunion?
How does my bunion feel?
Does bunion surgery hurt? Does it work?
How chronic is my bunion?
Are there people who think bunions are sexy?
On average, how many nerve endings are there in a bunion?
How about Paul Bunyan?
A selection of Wikimedia Commons images on bunions
(Best viewed on desktop/laptop)
In chronological order, starting 1839:
(Best viewed on desktop/laptop)
In chronological order, starting 1839:
General Information
Overview of bunions - the natural movement perspective
by Dr. Ray McClanahan
One minute animation on bone growth that leads to bunions
The Hereditary Bunion Myth
by Dr. Ray McClanahan
"Humans are not born with bunions. In all but the exceedingly rare case, human babies are born with toes that spread wider than the balls of their feet. We even seem to respect this anatomical reality by manufacturing footwear for babies that are the same shape as their natural feet. However, around the age of 3, we begin changing the shape of the feet of infants by fitting them in footwear that no longer respects natural human foot anatomy, and we start squeezing their toes together. We begin fitting them in shoes that are widest at the balls of their feet, as opposed to where natural feet are widest: at the ends of the toes. This is where bunion deformity begins."
'Many Can Blame Family For Their Bunions'
Overview of bunions - the natural movement perspective
by Dr. Ray McClanahan
One minute animation on bone growth that leads to bunions
The Hereditary Bunion Myth
by Dr. Ray McClanahan
"Humans are not born with bunions. In all but the exceedingly rare case, human babies are born with toes that spread wider than the balls of their feet. We even seem to respect this anatomical reality by manufacturing footwear for babies that are the same shape as their natural feet. However, around the age of 3, we begin changing the shape of the feet of infants by fitting them in footwear that no longer respects natural human foot anatomy, and we start squeezing their toes together. We begin fitting them in shoes that are widest at the balls of their feet, as opposed to where natural feet are widest: at the ends of the toes. This is where bunion deformity begins."
'Many Can Blame Family For Their Bunions'
Remedies
Custom made orthotic insoles
(with orthopedic shoes)
Bunion surgery and the four forms it can take
The Bunion Solution
A $47 program with 8-minute videos that teach simple everyday exercises to help reduce bunions
Dr Ray McClanahan's Bunion Reversal video
Massage and toe manipulation techniques
Dr. Ray McClanahan's Improving circulation in the feet video
Castor Oil Remedy with Testimonials
5 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Bunions Fast
- Ice
- Essential oil massage
- Turmeric
- Chamomile flowers
- Iodine and aspirin application
Natural Recipes for Getting Rid of Bunions
- Foot spa + iodine and lemon juice
- Bay leaf potion
Custom made orthotic insoles
(with orthopedic shoes)
Bunion surgery and the four forms it can take
The Bunion Solution
A $47 program with 8-minute videos that teach simple everyday exercises to help reduce bunions
Dr Ray McClanahan's Bunion Reversal video
Massage and toe manipulation techniques
Dr. Ray McClanahan's Improving circulation in the feet video
Castor Oil Remedy with Testimonials
5 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Bunions Fast
- Ice
- Essential oil massage
- Turmeric
- Chamomile flowers
- Iodine and aspirin application
Natural Recipes for Getting Rid of Bunions
- Foot spa + iodine and lemon juice
- Bay leaf potion
Bunion Forums / Blogs / Quests
THE BUNION EXPERIMENT
"One woman's search for bunion cures". She talks about a "bunion diet" here and about visualisation of beautiful feet here. She has also tried comfortable wide shoes, insoles, splints, exercising, foot bath, acupuncture, an anti-inflammatory herb, an acupuncher tool, marigold therapy, EFT and microcurrent treatment.
THE BUNION EXPERIMENT
"One woman's search for bunion cures". She talks about a "bunion diet" here and about visualisation of beautiful feet here. She has also tried comfortable wide shoes, insoles, splints, exercising, foot bath, acupuncture, an anti-inflammatory herb, an acupuncher tool, marigold therapy, EFT and microcurrent treatment.
image from the-bunion-experiment.com
You can tell your bunion story by sending in thoughts on your bunions. Here is a selection, by title:
Amazing, I'm not the only one.
Bunions ever since date of birth
Finally! People I can talk to
Family Bunions
Dancing and bunions
FORUMS
"A bunion ruined my life"
A conversation between Pain ("Any ever had a bunion?") and Bunion Woman ("there is a good chance you have one")
"Bunion Surgery Recovery! Please HELP!"
("swathed in 500 layers of bandage")
Amazing, I'm not the only one.
Bunions ever since date of birth
Finally! People I can talk to
Family Bunions
Dancing and bunions
FORUMS
"A bunion ruined my life"
A conversation between Pain ("Any ever had a bunion?") and Bunion Woman ("there is a good chance you have one")
"Bunion Surgery Recovery! Please HELP!"
("swathed in 500 layers of bandage")
Out of the ordinary products
MERCHANDISE
Bunion merchandise
such as this license plate
FOOTWEAR
Stockings (including fishnets) that separate toes
Socks with toe separators
ANTIQUES
1912 letter correspondence on bunions
1945 Charlie's Bunion at Great Smokey Mountains National Park postcard
Vintage Georges' Patent Bunion and Corn Shields Partitioned Box
William N. Copley Collage including bunion pads
(William N. Copley was a self-taught artist; this work is said to "demonstrate(s) the influence of Dada, Surrealism and Pop Art")
MERCHANDISE
Bunion merchandise
such as this license plate
FOOTWEAR
Stockings (including fishnets) that separate toes
Socks with toe separators
ANTIQUES
1912 letter correspondence on bunions
1945 Charlie's Bunion at Great Smokey Mountains National Park postcard
Vintage Georges' Patent Bunion and Corn Shields Partitioned Box
William N. Copley Collage including bunion pads
(William N. Copley was a self-taught artist; this work is said to "demonstrate(s) the influence of Dada, Surrealism and Pop Art")
BOOKS
Onions Bunions Corns and Dungeons
A chiropodist from 1958 stumbles upon a portal in the space-time continuum, and disrupts the fabric of history
Murder on the Ol' Bunions : A LaTisha Barnhart Mystery
Synopsis: LaTisha Barnhart's bunions tell her something's afoot as she delves deeper into the murder of her former employer Marion Peters. When LaTisha becomes a suspect, the ante is upped and she is determined to clear her name and find the real culprit.
A Treatise on Corns, Bunions, and Ingrowing of the Toenail : Their Cause and Treatment
(images from this 1945 book featured in the slideshow at the top, A Selection of Wikimedia Commons images on bunions)
The Bunion Derby
The historic 1928 "Bunion Derby" was a cross-country footrace from Los Angeles to New York City.
Granny Gert and the Bunion Brothers
Buddy and Buck Bunion, known as the dumbest boys in Texas and worthless rascals, have met their match with Granny Gert.
Bunion Burt
Ouch! Burt's feet hurt!
