What is the difference between a bunion and a bunionette? (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a bunion and a bunionette? ›

A bunion is a bump that forms on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe, as the toe drifts toward the second digit. A bunionette is the reverse: a bump forms at the outside of the foot at the base of the pinky toe, as the pinky toe drifts towards the fourth digit.

In most cases, tailor's bunion correction begins with non-surgical options such as changes in shoe wear, padding the protrusion to protect it against further damage, or injections that alleviate the pain and inflammation. However, some cases of bunionettes require surgical removal of the protrusion.

The short answer is no. Bunions can't be reversed, and unfortunately, they don't go away on their own.

Wearing tight, narrow shoes might cause bunions or make them worse. Bunions can also develop as a result of the shape of your foot, a foot deformity or a medical condition, such as arthritis.

The main difference between the two is the location where they develop. A bunion happens on the inside of the foot near the joint of the big toe; a bunionette, also called a tailor's bunion, happens on the outer side of the foot near the pinky toe.

Bunionette surgery is usually an outpatient surgery, meaning you can go home the same day as the surgery. It involves removing the bony prominence of the bunionette. In a larger bunionette that is causing an alignment problem, breaking the fifth metatarsal bone and restoring normal alignment may be necessary.

Tailor's bunion, also called a bunionette, is a prominence of the fifth metatarsal bone at the base of the little toe. The metatarsals are the five long bones of the foot. The prominence that characterizes a tailor's bunion occurs at the metatarsal head, located at the far end of the bone where it meets the toe.

Massage is great at relaxing the muscles and other connective tissue and fascia that may be pulling your toe into a bunion-causing position. Massage will also help to reduce inflammation in and around the bunion and increase blood flow to the area.

If a tailor's bunion isn't treated or corrected, it'll continue to get worse over time. The bony growth will get bigger, and it's more likely to cause symptoms like pain or swelling. Having a bunionette may increase your risk of other conditions that affect your toes, including: Bursitis.

Thong sandals or flip-flops – When the toes are not encased, they become unstable and can slide around. As the feet work harder to maintain stability and grip harder in flip-flops, bunions can become aggravated. The inflammation and positioning can cause the deformity to worsen over time.

Does ice help bunionette? ›

Icing your bunion after you've been on your feet too long or if it becomes inflamed can help relieve soreness and swelling. If you have reduced feeling or circulation problems with your feet, check with your doctor first before applying ice.

Changing shoes, especially to shoes that are wider at the toes or wearing sandals, can alleviate the discomfort of bunionnettes. Pads are also available to ease the pain. In rare cases, surgery may be required to realign the bone so it does not point out and cause a bunionette.

An inability to move or bend your big toe (you might feel pain or a burning feeling when you bend your toe). Difficulty wearing certain types of shoes, or pain that gets worse when you're wearing shoes. Corns or calluses (thickened skin).

Most bunion treatments involve resolving symptoms and slowing down the progression of bunion formation. One solution for painful bunions is orthotics, custom shoe inserts designed to correct poor foot mechanics and, in the process, stop or slow the progression of a bunion.

Regular taping or bracing may help reduce the deviation and slow the progression however there is no non-surgical way to reverse the boney change that occurs around the 5^th toe joint once a tailor's bunion has formed.