Bunionette

Definition A bunionette is a smaller bunion that is located on the opposite side of the foot from a bunion. The bunion appears on the joint between the big toe and the first metatarsal bone; a bunionette appears on the joint between the 5th toe and the 5th metatarsal bone. In the case of a bunionette, the 5th toe is what moves inward towards the 4th toe. When the toe moves, the bones of the foot becomes maligned and the joint becomes more pronounced and more angular. It then becomes red, inflamed, and painful. Cause A bunionette is called a Tailor’s Bunion because of the body position that a tailor sits in during his or her work, making it possible for the bunionette to develop. Some of the other causes of a bunionette include: • shoes that do not fit properly, crowding the little toe • wearing high heels • wearing tight, narrow dress shoes • wearing shoes too small for one’s feet • wearing pointed shoes Treatment & Prevention Treating the pain of a bunionette in the beginning stages of its formation involves soaking the foot in a foot bath that is soothing and relaxing. However, the root cause of the bunionette should be uncovered and addressed. If the cause is improper fitting shoes, the purchase of new shoes is in order. Generally, this involves wide shoes with a high toe box that allows the toes to fit comfortably in the shoe without being crowded in any way. Orthotic inserts such as arch supports or ones with heel pads may provide the alignment that the foot needs to prevent further progression of the bunionette. Night splints and bunion shields for the bunionette may be helpful as well.