Understanding the Symptoms of Bunionettes in Frisco, Little Elm, and McKinney

A bunionette, also known as a tailor's bunion, is a bony bump found on the outside of the foot near the base of the little toe. This misalignment of the bones in the foot is seen, where the little toe is angled outwards and the joint at the base of the toe is pushed outwards. This misalignment can cause severe pain to come from the little toe's joint due to irritation and swelling. This deformity was historically diagnosed in tailors due to sitting cross-legged with the outside of their foot pressed against a hard surface for long periods of time. This constant pressure caused a misalignment of the bones in the foot, leading to the formation of a bunionette.

In modern times, the most common factors for developing a bunionette come from improperly fitting shoes, foot injuries, and certain medical conditions. Wearing shoes that are too tight, too narrow, or have a pointed-toe box can put excessive pressure on the foot, leading to the development of bunionettes. Foot injuries such as sprains, strains, or breaks and medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also lead to the formation of bunionettes. In some cases, the cause of bunionettes is unknown.

Bunionettes can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Bunionettes can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
• Mild to severe pain
• Redness around the joint of the little toe
• Swelling and irritation from the joint of the little toe 
• Difficulty walking
• Some people may also develop calluses or corns on the affected area

Without treatment, the pain and deformity from your bunionette can get worse over time. With the help of your podiatrist at Foot & Ankle Centers, you can prevent further damage and find relief from this condition.

Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments available for bunionettes. Most patients do well with non-surgical treatments, such as wearing wider shoes, using padding and orthotics, and avoiding activities that cause irritation. By reducing stress and supporting your foot properly, any pain and inflammation caused by your tailor's bunion will be reduced. Additionally, physical therapy and injections of corticosteroids can be beneficial. For more severe cases of bunionettes, surgery may be necessary.