Do you have a painful bump near your pinky toe? Does it rub on your shoe and hurt when you walk? That small bump could be a bunionette, also called a Tailor’s Bunion.
At the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona, we help people just like you. Dr. Kris A. DiNucci, a skilled Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeon, can help you feel better. Let’s learn more about bunionette correction and see if it’s the right step for you.
What Is a Bunionette?
A bunionette is a small bump on the outside of your foot. It sits by your fifth toe (the pinky toe). It may feel sore or swollen. It may also turn red or rub against your shoe.
Why does it happen?
- Your foot bones shift
- You wear tight shoes
- You were born with it
- You had an injury or arthritis
A 2022 study in Foot & Ankle International shows many people get relief after proper care or surgery.
Signs You May Need Bunionette Correction
Some bunionettes feel better with simple care. You can try:
- Wearing wide shoes
- Using pads or soft inserts
- Taking pain medicine
- Resting and icing your foot
But if the pain sticks around, surgery may help.
Here are signs you might need surgery:
- Your foot hurts every day
- Shoes never feel good
- You stop doing fun things
- Your bump gets bigger
Dr. DiNucci will check your foot. He may take X-rays to see how the bones look.
How Bunionette Correction Works
Bunionette correction is a surgery that fixes the bone near your pinky toe. The doctor moves the bone into the right place. This helps your foot feel better and look better too.
What happens during surgery?
- A small cut is made
- The bone is moved or shaved
- A screw or pin holds it in place
- The skin is closed with stitches
Most people go home the same day. The surgery usually takes under an hour. You will get medicine to help you relax or sleep.
What to Expect After Surgery
Your foot needs time to heal. You may wear a special boot or shoe for a few weeks. Keep your foot raised to stop swelling. Don’t walk too much at first.
Here’s a healing timeline:
- First 2 weeks: Rest and keep your foot up
- Weeks 2–6: Start walking slowly
- After 6 weeks: Return to normal shoes
- After 3 months: Back to regular life
In a 2020 review in The Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery, most people had less pain and more comfort after healing.
Is It Safe?
Yes. For most people, bunionette correction is safe. But all surgery has small risks.
Risks may include:
- Infection
- Swelling
- Pain or numbness
- Slow healing
Dr. DiNucci will talk about these risks with you. He will help you make the best choice for your foot.
Why Choose the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona?
We know foot pain can stop you from doing things you love. At our office in Scottsdale, AZ, we focus on great care.
Dr. Kris A. DiNucci and our kind staff want to help. We listen, we answer your questions, and we work with you to make a plan. Our job is to help you walk without pain again.
FAQs
Does bunionette correction hurt?
You won’t feel pain during surgery. Afterward, your foot may be sore for a few days. Medicine helps.
How long until I can walk again?
Most people start walking in a boot after two weeks. You can go back to normal life in a few months.
Will my bunionette come back?
It’s rare, but it can return. Wearing proper shoes helps keep your foot healthy.
Conclusion
A bunionette may be small, but it can bring big pain. Simple steps may help. But if pain stays, bunionette correction could be the answer.
At the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona, we’re here to help you make the right choice. Dr. Kris A. DiNucci is trained, caring, and ready to help your feet feel great again.
Contact us today to ask questions or make an appointment. Visit our Contact Us or Request an Appointment page on our website. Your feet will thank you!
