PLUS!  3 Bonus Naturapathic Options

Do you have a bump on the outside of your pinky toe? If you do, it might be a bunionette, also called a Tailor’s bunion. This is a smaller version of a bunion that happens on the outer side of your foot, near your little toe. Just like a regular bunion, a bunionette can hurt and make your foot feel sore. If you’re dealing with this issue, don’t worry! There are many things you can do to help a bunionette get better without needing bunionette surgery.

Let’s explore the top 7 ways to help with a bunionette on your pinky toe so you can feel better and get back to doing what you love!

1. Wear the Right Shoes

The shoes you wear can make a big difference if you have a bunionette. Shoes that are too tight, pointy, or have high heels can squeeze your toes, making the bump on your pinky toe worse. Look for shoes that have:

• A wide toe box: This means the front of the shoe is roomy and won’t squeeze your toes.
• Low heels: High heels put extra pressure on your toes, so try to stick with shoes that have lower heels.
• Soft materials: Shoes made from soft, flexible materials will give your foot more comfort.

Wearing the right shoes can give your foot the space it needs to heal and feel more comfortable.

2. Use Padding or Bunionette Cushions

To protect the bump on your pinky toe, you can use special pads or cushions made just for bunionettes. These soft pads go over the bump and act as a buffer between your foot and the inside of your shoe. This helps reduce the rubbing and pressure that can make your bunionette hurt. You can find bunion and bunionette pads at most drugstores, or you can look online for cushions that are specifically designed for this purpose.

3. Try Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

If your bunionette is really bothering you, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce the pain and swelling. These medicines work by calming down the inflammation in your foot, which can make walking and moving around more comfortable. However, remember that while pain relievers can make you feel better, they won’t fix the bunionette itself.

4. Wear Bunion Booties or Bunionette Splints

“The BunionETTE Bootie is meant to provide comfort, support, and alleviation to people suffering with bunionette pain, also known as tailor’s bunions. One of its most notable qualities is the soft, thin, dual-layer barrier, which measures only 1mm thick. Despite its minimal thickness, this barrier provides effective protection against the common irritations associated with bunionettes, such as blisters, rubbing, and increasing tenderness. The bootie’s ultra-thin construction allows it to be worn comfortably under socks and shoes.

The BunionETTE Bootie not only covers the skin, but it also provides crucial longitudinal and transverse arch support, which reduces fatigue from prolonged standing and walking. This built-in support uniformly distributes pressure across the foot, easing tension on the problematic area while also encouraging good foot mechanics. This is especially important for people who have discomfort from daily activities, as it helps to relieve tension and pain caused by bunionettes.

The bootie also has a side panel for better ventilation. This improves airflow, keeping the foot cool and dry even after prolonged use without sweating or feeling constrained.

The bootie also features a distinctive toe separation system that softly separates the large and tiny toes from the middle three. This simple modification can help improve general toe position, easing the pain and suffering caused by misplaced toes. The BunionETTE Bootie reduces stress and strain around the joint, easing bunionette pain and improving foot posture.

One of the main advantages of the BunionETTE Bootie is that it provides stabilizing support and may be worn both day and night. This function delivers consistent alleviation, whether you’re on your feet all day or looking for comfort when sleeping. The bootie fits comfortably around the foot, offering soft yet firm support that relieves pressure on the bunionette joint.

The BunionETTE Bootie is latex-free and suitable for anyone with latex allergies or sensitivities, so it can be worn by a wide range of consumers. Its gentle, pleasant nature makes it a wonderful non-invasive treatment for reducing bunionette pain, offering relief and support without the need for surgery or harsh therapies.”  [segment from WellnessMagazine piece]

BunionETTE Bootie features on Wellness Magazine

5. Soak Your Feet in Warm Water

If your bunionette is feeling sore, one of the easiest ways to soothe it is by soaking your feet in warm water. Adding Epsom salts to the water can also help reduce swelling and pain. This simple remedy relaxes your foot muscles and gives your toes a break from the stress of walking around all day. Try soaking your feet for 15-20 minutes, especially after a long day on your feet.

6. Do Toe Stretches and Exercises

Stretching and exercising your toes can help improve the flexibility and strength of your foot muscles, which can ease the pressure on your bunionette. Here are a couple of easy exercises you can try at home:

• Toe spreads: Sit down and stretch your toes apart as far as they’ll go. Hold for a few seconds and then relax. Repeat this about 10 times.
• Towel curls: Place a small towel on the floor and use your toes to grab and scrunch the towel toward you. This helps strengthen the muscles in your feet.

Doing these exercises regularly can help your bunionette on your pinky toe feel more flexible and less painful.

7. Use Bunion Balm for Extra Relief

For even more relief, you can try using Bunion Balm. This balm is made with natural ingredients like essential oils that are designed to soothe sore, aching feet.

“Bunion Balm Daytime is precisely developed with a premium composition to provide immediate, focused relief for bunion discomfort, using a combination of natural and effective components. One of its main ingredients is Menthol, a local anesthetic with cooling effects that soothe the skin and provide deep, penetrating pain relief. This cooling effect helps to numb the discomfort, allowing you to get through your day more comfortably.

The balm also contains Arnica Montana extract, a natural anti-inflammatory that decreases swelling and increases blood flow to the affected joint. This lowers inflammation and facilitates healing in the bunion area. In addition, Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) supports normal nerve activity, which can help reduce pain signals from an infected joint.

MSM, another potent ingredient, acts as an anti-inflammatory, encouraging healthy connective tissue around the bunion. Tea Tree Oil is well-known for its ability to infiltrate the skin, hastening healing and creating a protective barrier against further aggravation.” [portion of WellnessMagazine article]

BONUS CONTENT:  3 Naturopathic Options

Here are three naturopathic options that can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation from bunionettes (Tailor’s bunion):

1. Essential Oils

Certain essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus are known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Essential Oil for Bunions is a proprietary blend made just for bunion comfort.  Made with 100% therapeutic grade essential oils, this popular blend can help reduce swelling and soothe pain. Applying the oils after a warm foot soak can enhance the benefits.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric contains a powerful compound called curcumin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. You can take turmeric supplements or add it to your diet by mixing it into smoothies, soups, or teas. For topical relief, you can create a turmeric paste by mixing turmeric powder with a bit of water and applying it directly to the affected area.

3. Epsom Salt Foot Soak

A warm Epsom salt soak can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and relax the muscles around your bunionette on your pinky toe. Epsom salts are rich in magnesium, which can reduce swelling and improve circulation. Soaking your feet for 15-20 minutes several times a week can provide relief from the discomfort caused by a bunionette.

These natural remedies can be part of a comprehensive approach to managing the discomfort of a bunionette, alongside other treatments like supportive footwear and gentle exercises.

When to Consider Bunionette Surgery

While the tips above can help a lot, sometimes a bunionette might not go away with simple treatments. If your bunion on your pinky toe keeps hurting or getting worse, your doctor might suggest bunionette surgery. This surgery is usually a last resort if other options haven’t worked. During the surgery, the doctor will remove part of the bone and realign your toe to make it straighter. After surgery, you’ll need time to heal, but most people feel a lot better once they’ve recovered.

It’s always important to talk to a doctor before deciding on surgery. They’ll be able to tell you if surgery is necessary or if you can keep using at-home treatments to manage your Tailor’s bunion.

Conclusion

A bunionette, or Tailor’s bunion, can be painful, especially if it’s not taken care of. But the good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to manage the pain and avoid bunionette surgery. From wearing better shoes to using Bunion Booties or trying natural remedies like Bunion Balm, these tips can help you take control of your foot health and feel more comfortable.

Remember, if the bump on your pinky toe isn’t getting better, or if it’s affecting your ability to walk or enjoy your daily activities, talk to your doctor. Together, you can come up with the best plan for treating your bunionette and keeping your feet happy and healthy!