Symptomatic improvement and anatomical regression of arthritic hallux valgus deformity ('bunion') treated by acupuncture

Seven female patients suffering from severe pain and gait difficulties due to arthritic bilateral hallux valgus deformity ('bunion') for a prolonged period were treated by acupuncture at acupoints SP-4 and SP-5 together with three additional needles directed into painful points on the inflamed bunion. In all patients, mild to excellent early phase and moderate to excellent late phase improvement were recorded. In one patient, x-ray follow-up was available which revealed marked anatomical regression of both deformity and hypertrophy of the soft tissue.