Bunionettes: Pinky Toe Protrusions

by | Sep 7, 2016

A bunionette sounds cute, but if your little piggy has one, you’re sure to cry wee-wee-wee all the way home! Like the bony bump of a bunion that forms at the big toe joint, the lesser known bunionette occurs at the pinky toe joint—a smaller-sized version of the problem, yet yielding just as much discomfort and pain.

Sometimes this condition is referred to as a tailor’s bunion because of the prevalence of the problem back when tailor’s sat cross-legged with their pinky toes pressed against the floor. The actual cause however, is thought to be an unlucky genetic disposition to misaligned metatarsal bones, with pressure from tight shoes aggravating the situation.

As the misalignment pushes the toe inward, it forces the joint to jut outward, making it difficult to wear shoes comfortably. The pressure and irritation form footwear can result in soreness, redness, swelling, and pain.

That means, no matter if you went to market (there are a lot of farmer’s markets around the Ladera Ranch area, by the way!), or if you stayed home; or if you had roast beef; or if you had none, a bunionette can pretty much spoil your fun. So here’s what you do: switch to shoes with a nice wide toe box, use bunionette pads to protect the area and provide a layer of cushion, and try slipping some orthotics into your shoes to help distribute weight evenly and reduce stress on that poor little piggy!

If you have a pinky toe protrusion, or any other concerns with your feet, we can help! Instead of crying wee-wee-wee all the way home, just give our Ladera Ranch, CA office a call. You can contact us to schedule an appointment by dialing (949) 364-9255 (WALK).