Bunionettes

Little siblings often want to be just like their big brother or sister. Unfortunately, thats not always the best path, especially if that bigger sibling is a troublemaker!

When a bunionette forms, it tends to be a lot like its big brother, the bunion, just smaller due to its location on the baby toe instead of the big one. The problem is, the symptoms can be just as troublesome! Much like a bunion, that bump on your baby toe joint can result in pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing shoes a mini bunion, but a major pain! Talk about a pesky little sibling!

Bunionettes: The Beginning

Not only do they look and feel similar, but bunionettes are typically caused by the same culprits as those behind bunions — an inherited foot structure that makes you prone to the problem, an injury that throws your toe bones out of alignment, or a condition like arthritis that affects your joints. Pressure placed on the outside of your foot exacerbates the condition, which is one big reason why wearing narrow, tight shoes is a no-no! It is also why you may hear this condition sometimes referred to as a tailors bunion.

Years ago, tailors sat cross-legged as they worked, with the outside of their feet pressing against the ground. The pressure forced the baby toe joint out of alignment causing the bone to protrude outward while the toe itself drifted towards the others. Thus, the bunionette (or tailors bunion) was born.

Stop the Bump on Your Baby Toe from Growing

If you notice a bump forming on your baby toe joint, act promptly to slow the progression and minimize symptoms. Use pads to protect against pressure, and look into orthotics that can help disperse pressure away from the area. Also, make sure that your shoes are wide enough so that they do not squish or press on your toes. In addition, footwear should be made of materials that can stretch to accommodate the bony protrusion. There are toe splints and stretches that can offer you some relief as well, and stop that baby bump from getting any bigger! If your bunionette does start to act up, use ice and anti-inflammatories to ease discomfort.

Stubborn Little Things!

Just as with its big brother bunion, sometimes conservative treatment methods cannot quite relieve the symptoms of a bunionette. If wearing shoes, walking, or other activities become difficult as a result of your baby toe bump, you may want to consider a surgical procedure to realign your toe joint. We will provide information on the different surgical options and help you decide if surgery is right for you and which procedure would best fit your needs.

Call us if you have any questions or if you need help with a bothersome bunionette. You can reach us in Houston, TX by dialing (713) 493-7372, or by using our online contact form. Either way, well get you the information you need to make your mini bunion much better!