Our Bunionette FAQs

What kind of treatment do I need for a bunionette?

At first, non-surgical treatments like changing to shoes that have a wider toe box will ease the discomfort. The bunionette can also be padded with over-the-counter bunion cushions, which will require a shoe with a wide-enough toe area. If your bunionette becomes inflamed, then you would need to put an icepack on it. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as Advil or Aleve can also help. For short-term relief before an important event like a wedding or a race, Dr. K can inject a corticosteroid into the area to help bring down the inflammation and relieve pain.

How do I know for sure that I have a bunionette?

As an experienced foot doctor, Dr. K can examine your foot and take X-rays to see what's going on inside your foot. He will not only tell you what is causing your discomfort but, if it is a bunionette, he can tell you how far advanced the condition is and talk to you about your treatment options.

Do women get bunionettes more than men?

What causes bunionettes?

The most common cause of this deformity is a faulty mechanical structure of the foot, which runs in families and can be inherited by both men and women. However, wearing shoes that don't allow enough space for all of the toes to lie flat can make the structural problem worse. High-heel shoes or shoes with narrow pointy toe boxes can rub against the bunionette and cause redness, swelling, and pain.

What is a bunionette?

If the bunionette starts to rub against the inside of your shoe, it can become swollen, red, and painful. The more misaligned the bones are, the further out the bunionette will be and the more painful it will become. The only way to permanently correct the deformity is with surgery, but conservative measures can be used to manage the discomfort until it becomes unbearable.