Relieve Your Pain From Bunionettes (Tailor’s Bunion) With Expert Podiatric Care in Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney
If you have noticed a bump on the side of your foot near your little toe, you may have a bunionette, also known as a tailor's bunion. This common foot problem can cause pain, irritation, and difficulty walking. At Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney, our expert podiatrists can ease your discomfort.
What You Need to Know About Bunionettes (Tailor’s Bunion)
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.
What is the Difference Between a Bunion and Bunionette?
The main difference between a bunion and a bunionette is where they form on the foot. A bunion forms at the base of the big toe, while a bunionette forms at the base of the little toe. Additionally, a bunion is caused by a deformity of the big toe joint, while a bunionette is caused by a deformity of the little toe joint. Both conditions can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
Understanding the Symptoms of Bunionettes
A bunionette is a bony bump that forms on the outside of the foot near the base of the little toe. It is caused by a misalignment of the bones in the foot, where the little toe is angled outwards and the joint at the base of the toe is pushed outwards. This misalignment can cause the joint to become irritated and swollen, leading to a bunionette.
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.
Find Relief From Tailor’s Bunion with the Help of Our Podiatrist
Our podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney typically diagnose the severity of your bunionette by performing both a physical examination and imaging tests such as x-rays or MRIs. Your podiatrist will check for signs of misalignment of the bones, joint swelling, and pain in the area.
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.
Your podiatrist at Foot & Ankle Centers can diagnose andrecommend the best treatment option for your individual needs. With the right treatment, you can return to your daily activities.