What You Need to Know About the Bunionette
When you hear the word "bunion," most people picture a painful bump on the side of the big toe. However, a similar, often overlooked, bony prominence can develop all the way on the opposite coast- on your pinky toe. This is known as a bunionette (or more formally, a Tailor's Bunion), and today, we at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center will explore what it is and how it differs from its widely known sister deformity, the bunion.
What is a Bunionette or “Tailor’s Bunion?”
A little backstory first: the term "Tailor's Bunion" originates from tailors who crossed their legs for long hours and put constant pressure on the outside edge of their feet, which seemingly contributed to the development of this specific bunion.
How Does a Bunionette Differ from a Regular Bunion?
So, how does this “little bunion” differ from the infamous “hallux valgus?” The answer lies in their location and the toe that’s affected. A regular bunion occurs on the inside of the foot, at the base of the big toe, whereas a bunionette is located on the outside of the foot, at the base of the pinky toe.
Regular bunions are generally more common and reach a greater degree of severity and deformity than bunionettes. While the progression of both is typically gradual, the demands on the big toe joint mean regular bunions worsen more visibly and cause earlier limitations if left untreated, such as widespread gait issues and debilitating pain.
Causes and Risk Factors of a Bunionette
Footwear is a primary culprit; like with bunions and high heels, tight, narrow shoes can squeeze the forefoot and toes together and force the pinky outward.
Combine this with genetics and inherited foot structure - some people may be born with a naturally splayed forefoot or a pinky with a slight outward bow.
Less commonly, abnormal walking mechanics that place excessive pressure on the outside edge of the foot or direct trauma to the area can also be risk factors.
Bunionette Symptoms
For one, you’ll notice a bony prominence at the base of the pinky toe. This bump often becomes red, swollen, and tender, especially when it rubs against shoes.
Pain-wise, you’ll feel anything from a dull ache to a sharp, burning sensation that typically worsens with shoe wear or prolonged standing and walking. This constant friction can also lead to painful corns or calluses directly over the bony bump. In some cases, even nerve irritation can cause numbness or tingling in the pinky toe.
Consult your podiatrist for more information about Tailor’s Bunion.
At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we treat a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are ready to serve our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.