Bunions, Calluses and Corns

Overview

Bunions, calluses, and corns are common foot conditions that develop due to pressure, friction, or structural imbalances in the feet ^[1,3].

Bunions (hallux valgus) involve a bony bump forming at the base of the big toe, causing the joint to angle outward and sometimes become painful or inflamed ^[3].

Calluses are areas of thickened skin that form in response to repeated friction or pressure, often on the soles of the feet or palms.
Corns are smaller, more concentrated areas of hardened skin that typically develop on toes or between them.

These conditions may lead to discomfort, altered gait, and reduced mobility. While footwear modification, podiatry care, and sometimes surgery are conventional approaches, Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH)  methods can support alignment, circulation, and pain relief — complementing medical or podiatric treatment ^[4,5].

Common Causes and Contributing Factors

Bunions, calluses, and corns often result from mechanical stress, improper footwear, or biomechanical misalignment ^[2,3].
Common contributing factors include:

• Poorly fitting or tight shoes (especially high heels or narrow-toed footwear)
• Flat feet, overpronation, or abnormal walking patterns
• Genetic predisposition to structural foot deformities
• Repetitive friction or pressure on certain areas of the foot
• Occupational factors (standing or walking for prolonged periods)
• Arthritis or connective tissue disorders
• Ageing, which leads to changes in skin and joint flexibility

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the condition, but may include:

• Pain or swelling around the big toe joint (bunions)
• Hardened or thickened skin on weight-bearing areas (calluses)
• Small, tender bumps on toes or between them (corns)
• Redness, inflammation, or restricted toe movement
• Burning or aching sensations when walking
• Difficulty wearing regular shoes

Left untreated, chronic friction can lead to skin breakdown, infection, or postural compensation affecting knees, hips, and spine ^[5,7].

Holistic and TCIH Approaches

Complementary approaches can help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and relieve pressure on affected areas. These may be used alongside podiatric or physiotherapy management to support long-term comfort and alignment.
You may wish to explore:

• Reflexology – stimulates nerve pathways and improves circulation, helping relieve foot tension and enhance overall balance.
• Remedial Massage – softens callused tissue, promotes flexibility in the foot, and alleviates discomfort from muscle tightness.
• Acupuncture – may help relieve pain and inflammation associated with bunions or chronic pressure points ^[8].
• Naturopathy – supports tissue repair and inflammation control through nutrition, herbal medicine, and circulation-enhancing remedies (e.g., turmeric, ginger, ginkgo).
• Energy Healing / Reiki – promotes relaxation and energetic balance to support overall healing.
• Footwear assessment or orthotics – proper arch support and wide-toed shoes reduce friction and distribute weight evenly ^[4].

Self-Care & Lifestyle Practices

Daily care can reduce discomfort and prevent recurrence:

• Wear properly fitted, supportive shoes with adequate toe space
• Soak feet regularly in warm water with Epsom salts to soften skin
• Gently file or moisturise thickened areas to prevent cracking
• Alternate standing and sitting if you work on your feet
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on joints
• Practise foot stretches and toe exercises to maintain flexibility
• Avoid cutting corns or calluses yourself to prevent infection

When to Seek Professional Support

Seek professional evaluation if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening foot pain
• Redness, swelling, or warmth around a bunion
• Bleeding or signs of infection in thickened skin areas
• Severe calluses or corns that interfere with walking
• Structural deformities affecting mobility

A multidisciplinary approach — involving podiatrists, physiotherapists, and verified SoulAdvisor practitioners in reflexology, massage, or naturopathy — can help relieve discomfort, restore balance, and support foot health naturally.