A bunionette, or tailor’s bunion, is a raised bony protrusion that happens on the outer side of your foot. Unlike a bunion that happens at the joint of the big toe, a bunionette happens near the pinkie toe on the outer part of the foot.
A bunionette can cause pain and inflammation that makes it difficult to wear shoes. Most bunionettes can be treated conservatively and do not require surgery.
Common Symptoms of Bunionettes
The most common symptom of a bunionette is pain on the outer part of the foot on the side of the pinkie toe. The pain can range in intensity from dull to sharp.
A bunionette can cause discomfort when wearing shoes since shoes can rub the area of the bunionette. The rubbing from the shoe can lead to a break in the skin. For those who are diabetic, this can be a serious complication since the broken skin can become infected. If you notice broken skin, an infection, or a wound that is not healing, contact your podiatrist immediately.
Causes of Bunionettes
There are a variety of factors that can cause a bunionette. Typically, bunionettes are caused by wearing tightly-fitted shoes that constrict the front part of the foot. High heels and pointy-toe shoes can both contribute to the development of a bunionette since they squeeze the front of the foot and put pressure on the outer area of the foot. Anything that causes chronic pressure on the outside of your foot can put you at risk for a bunionette.
Some Other Causes Of A Bunionette Are:
Inherited.
Bunionettes often run in families that have a congenital issue that causes the bones of the front foot to angle out slightly.
Having a bunion.
Those who have bunions on the inside of the foot can also develop bunionettes on the outside of the foot.
Treatment Options For Bunionettes
If you are experiencing pain on the outside of your foot, consult with a podiatrist for an evaluation. To diagnose a bunionette, a podiatrist will first examine the foot. An X-ray may be ordered to further evaluate the bunionette and determine the severity of the deformity.
After a diagnosis is made, your podiatrist will determine what treatment options are available for your particular needs. A podiatrist will typically recommend starting with conservative options such as:
Changing shoes.
Changing your footwear can help with eliminating pain and rubbing when wearing shoes. Choose shoes that have a wider toe box or are open in the front so you do not add pressure to the front of your foot. You may want to purchase a larger size shoe as well.
Wearing custom orthotics.
Custom orthotics can be used inside the shoe to add support to the foot arch in order to take off the pressure to the outside part of the foot.
Applying padding.
You can apply padding over the bunionette to cushion the area when wearing shoes.
Ice.
To reduce swelling and inflammation, apply ice for up to 20 minutes at a time for several times a day to the bunionette.
Medication.
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can be used to relieve pain and decrease swelling.
Injection.
A cortisone injection may be used to help reduce swelling.
Debridement.
Debridement may be done to remove dried skin and to shave off any calluses that have formed over the bunionette.
If conservative options do not provide relief from the pain caused by the bunionette, surgery may be an option. Surgery is performed in more severe cases to correct the condition. It is done to realign the bone in the outer foot so that it is in the proper position and no longer causes a bunionette.
Are You In Need Of Bunion Treatment In The El Paso, Texas Area?
If you find yourself sufferring from bunions you should speak with an experienced podiatrist as soon as possible. Please contact us online to schedule your appoinment or call one of our convenient El Paso offices directly. To reach our Sierra Tower Building podiatrist office please call 915.533.5151. You can find driving directions here. To reach our George Dieter Drive podiatry office please call 915.856.3331. Please click here for Driving directions to this location.
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