Physical Therapy in Congress Park, Denver Downtown, Central Park, and Highlands Area for Foot
Welcome to Atlas Physical Therapy's patient resource in Congress Park, Denver Downtown, Central Park, and Highlands Area about Tailor's Bunion.
A bunionette is similar to a bunion, but it develops on the outside of the foot. It is sometimes referred to as a tailor's bunion because tailors once sat cross-legged all day with the outside edge of their feet rubbing on the ground. This produced a pressure area and callus at the bottom of the fifth toe.
This guide will help you understand:
where a bunionette develops
why a bunionette causes problems
what can be done to treat a bunionette
Hear from some of our Foot Therapy patients
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Atlas Physical Therapy is the best! I came in with a sprained ankle and the staff was super patient and helpful as we worked through the injury. Brett and Will were amazing and I would recommend them... ”
“ Atlas Physical Therapy is the best! I came in with a sprained ankle and the staff was super patient and helpful as we worked through the injury. Brett and Will were amazing and I would recommend them to anyone! The downtown location is super convenient for anyone who works down there too! ”
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By far the best physical therapists I have ever gone to! Alex and Kate have fixed everything that has come up from foot issues, to knee problems to all the tiny little things that happen during... ”
“ By far the best physical therapists I have ever gone to! Alex and Kate have fixed everything that has come up from foot issues, to knee problems to all the tiny little things that happen during training or just life in general. Lexi and Emma are awesome at making sure im doing exercises correctly and making it fun at the same time. With the help of everyone at Atlas Physical Therapy I was able to complete my first ultramarathon and look forward to completing many other ridiculous goals. ”
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I had been referred to Alex at Atlas by several different people, but it ended up being my daughter's plantar fasciitis that finally got us in there. He did absolutely great with her really does well... ”
“ I had been referred to Alex at Atlas by several different people, but it ended up being my daughter's plantar fasciitis that finally got us in there. He did absolutely great with her really does well with kids. I don't have any acute injuries at this point, but while I was in there with her, I asked about various ongoing issues/problem areas I have, and ended up beginning treatment with him as well. He takes a well rounded and very practical approach that for us has included tissue work (both), dry needling (me), ultrasound (her), adjustments (me), and obviously various exercises and stretches. The rest of the staff there is great as well. Highly recommend. ”
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I am a runner and runners sometimes get hurt! Alex has magic hands. The man has helped me get through plantar fasciitis on both feet, hip and knee issues and a pulled hamstring! All while keeping it... ”
“ I am a runner and runners sometimes get hurt! Alex has magic hands. The man has helped me get through plantar fasciitis on both feet, hip and knee issues and a pulled hamstring! All while keeping it fun and just being an amazing coach. If something ails you- go see him! He has magic hands and will get you back on track in no time ”
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I’ve been going to Atlas for a couple of months to work on some issues with my peroneal and Achilles, and I’ve been thoroughly impressed with every single person who works at Atlas. I’ve worked... ”
“ I’ve been going to Atlas for a couple of months to work on some issues with my peroneal and Achilles, and I’ve been thoroughly impressed with every single person who works at Atlas. I’ve worked with at least 5 people here, and they have all been knowledgeable, helpful, friendly, caring and cool. They remember who I am every time I come back, have been great at listening and helping with my recovery, and I quite honestly look forward to each visit. I’ve been getting dry needling done lately, and I was pretty afraid since I hate needles. Both Kate and Amanda have done an excellent job however with minimal discomfort and great results afterwards. I’m happy to have discovered Atlas, and I’ve been recommending it to friends and family. ”
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Heather is great! She took me from barely walking to being able to run again. I broke/dislocated my ankle last year and started seeing Heather once I was weight bearing again. I wouldn’t have... ”
“ Heather is great! She took me from barely walking to being able to run again. I broke/dislocated my ankle last year and started seeing Heather once I was weight bearing again. I wouldn’t have gotten to the point I’m at now without her! ”
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This place is great. I worked with Alex for a little over a month. I visited several PT's prior to meeting with Alex all of whom suggested to remove screws post ankle surgery. With Alex's help, I was... ”
“ This place is great. I worked with Alex for a little over a month. I visited several PT's prior to meeting with Alex all of whom suggested to remove screws post ankle surgery. With Alex's help, I was able to avoid a second surgery, AND am now feeling like I did before the injury. Thanks Alex ”
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Amazing place, awesome team! I broke my ankle in January and had surgery a day later. About 7 weeks after that, I started physical therapy at Atlas and I could not have been happier. I was... ”
“ Amazing place, awesome team! I broke my ankle in January and had surgery a day later. About 7 weeks after that, I started physical therapy at Atlas and I could not have been happier. I was ’assigned’ to work with Kate as my PT and she was fantastic. She worked closely with me on movement, strengthening, massaging and flexibility in order to getting me back to my normal self and activities. At times, I even felt bad for her, because I am very ticklish so working on my foot wasn’t always the easiest thing for her, but she took it like a champ; she even did a great job of distracting me in order for her to work on my ankle issues. The exercises I was instructed to do were super helpful, and I was able to do them both at home and at the facility (along with many more when I was there). I loved how I was able to work with multiple staff members while working out my ankle and everyone pushed me to keep going and never made me feel bad if I wasn’t able to complete something, but rather said it was okay and we would try again the next time I came in. No matter the time of day or how busy they were, everyone said hello to you, by name, when you walked in making you feel very welcomed. Although I have recently graduated, I will sporadically go back so I can have Kate continue to help me recover, get new exercises for strength, and to just say hello to the staff. I could not be more happy with my recovery and the awesome people at Atlas who helped make it happen. ”
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Laura has been a godsend for me and has helped put me back together more than once! I came in when I was pregnant for a hip issues, then post pregnancy for a foot issue. Both situations I was treated... ”
“ Laura has been a godsend for me and has helped put me back together more than once! I came in when I was pregnant for a hip issues, then post pregnancy for a foot issue. Both situations I was treated wonderfully by the administrative staff and the physical therapist. The new location is key, parking is ample. The are communicative, timely and most importantly, work wonders on what ails you! ”
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I’ve been impressed and very satisfied with Atlas Physical Therapy ever since I started seeing them after a foot surgery in 2021. When I returned a year or so later in 2022 I worked closely with... ”
“ I’ve been impressed and very satisfied with Atlas Physical Therapy ever since I started seeing them after a foot surgery in 2021. When I returned a year or so later in 2022 I worked closely with Andrea and Nate. Not only were they fantastic to work with, they were excellent listeners and very effective at finding the best treatment to alleviate my issues. I highly recommend using them for your PT needs! ”
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Am 77 years old and started seeing Lexi at the Stapleton location for strengthening of an achilles tendon injury, core strength training, and flexibility and balance training. Lexi was very sensitive... ”
“ Am 77 years old and started seeing Lexi at the Stapleton location for strengthening of an achilles tendon injury, core strength training, and flexibility and balance training. Lexi was very sensitive to all of my needs and concerns and included all of the areas that I wanted to improve upon in each workout. I have improved significantly in each of those areas and Lexi has given me a series of exercises and stretches to maintain and continue to build on my own. I highly recommend Lexi to anyone seeking to improve themselves in a serious yet fun environment. ”
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I am really grateful to Alex and his crew, they helped me with an ankle injury and my back issues. He helped strengthen and rehabilitate my ankle, while leaving me feeling like he was really... ”
“ I am really grateful to Alex and his crew, they helped me with an ankle injury and my back issues. He helped strengthen and rehabilitate my ankle, while leaving me feeling like he was really invested in my recovery. When we had reached a point where I was still having some pain but he had done all that he could, he didn’t just keep taking my money, he made a suggestion for a doctor that might be able to help me further. I recommend them regularly and will be back with any future injuries. ”
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I’ve struggled for seven years with ankle pain since tearing a ligament, and also developed really bad runner’s knee while training for my first half marathon last year. The only other time... ”
“ I’ve struggled for seven years with ankle pain since tearing a ligament, and also developed really bad runner’s knee while training for my first half marathon last year. The only other time I’d been to physical therapy for a previous injury, the results were temporary. Alex at Atlas PT explained the ’why’ behind my pain, gave me detailed exercises and therapy that were doable, I noticed results immediately... and four years later, I can still run, hike, and ski again without pain. ”
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Hey! I’ve been working with Alex Lanton following two surgeries on my foot. He’s so smart, fun, and effective. I would never go anywhere else for my PT needs. ”
“ Hey! I’ve been working with Alex Lanton following two surgeries on my foot. He’s so smart, fun, and effective. I would never go anywhere else for my PT needs. ”
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My daughter saw Nikhil to address ankle pain due to hypermobility. He was great at quickly identifying the issue, explaining it, and prescribing easy and effective exercises that helped very quickly.... ”
“ My daughter saw Nikhil to address ankle pain due to hypermobility. He was great at quickly identifying the issue, explaining it, and prescribing easy and effective exercises that helped very quickly. Great experience. ”
A bunionette occurs over the area of the foot where the small toe connects to the foot. This area is called the metatarsophalangeal joint, or MTP joint. The metatarsals are the long bones of the foot. The phalanges are the small bones in each toe. The big toe has two phalanges, and the other toes have three phalanges each.
Today a bunionette is most likely caused by an abnormal bump over the end of the fifth metatarsal (the metatarsal head) rubbing on shoes that are too narrow. Some people's feet widen as they grow older, until the foot splays. This can cause a bunion on one side of the foot and a bunionette on the other if they continue to wear shoes that are too narrow. The constant pressure produces a callus and a thickening of the tissues over the bump, leading to a painful knob on the outside of the foot.
Many problems that occur in the feet are the result of abnormal pressure or rubbing. One way of understanding what happens in the foot as a result of abnormal pressure is to view the foot simply. Essentially a foot is made up of hard bone covered by soft tissue that we then put a shoe on top of. Most of the symptoms that develop over time are because the skin and soft tissue are caught between the hard bone on the inside and the hard shoe on the outside.
Any prominence, or bump, in the bone will make the situation even worse over the bump. Skin responds to constant rubbing and pressure by forming a callus. The soft tissues underneath the skin respond to the constant pressure and rubbing by growing thicker. Both the thick callus and the thick soft tissues under it are irritated and painful. The answer to decreasing the pain is to remove the pressure. The pressure can be reduced from the outside by changing the pressure from the shoes. The pressure can be reduced from the inside by surgically removing any bony prominence.
Symptoms
What do bunionettes feel like?
The symptoms of a bunionette include pain and difficulty buying shoes that will not cause pain around the deformity. The swelling in the area causes a visible bump that some people find unsightly.
Diagnosis
How do health care providers identify a bunionette?
When you first visit Atlas Physical Therapy, our Physical Therapist will examine your foot and speak with you about the history of your problem. Diagnosis of a bunionette is usually obvious and can be made during the history and physical examination.
Some patients may be referred to a doctor for further diagnosis. Once your diagnostic examination is complete, the Physical Therapists at Atlas Physical Therapy have treatment options that will help speed your recovery, so that you can more quickly return to your active lifestyle.
Our Treatment
Non-surgical Rehabilitation
When you begin Physical Therapy at Atlas Physical Therapy, treatment is initially directed at obtaining proper shoes that will accommodate the width of your forefoot. Our Physical Therapist may recommend pads over the area of the bunionette to help relieve some of the pressure and reduce pain. These pads are usually available in drug and grocery stores. Our Physical Therapist can also offer ideas of shoes that have a wide forefoot, or toe box. The added space in this part of the shoe keeps the metatarsals from getting squeezed inside the shoe.
These simple changes to your footwear may allow you to resume normal walking immediately, but we suggest that you cut back on more vigorous activities for several weeks to allow the inflammation and pain to subside.
During Physical Therapy, your Physical Therapist may also direct treatments to the painful area to help control pain and swelling. Examples include ultrasound, moist heat, and soft-tissue massage. Our therapy sessions sometimes include iontophoresis, which uses a mild electrical current to push anti-inflammatory medicine to the sore area. This treatment is especially helpful for patients who can't tolerate injections.
Post-surgical Rehabilitation
Patients are usually fitted with a post-op shoe after surgery. This shoe has a stiff, rigid sole that protects your toes by keeping the foot from bending. Any pins are usually removed after the bone begins to mend (usually three or four weeks). You will probably need crutches briefly after surgery, and your Physical Therapist at Atlas Physical Therapy can instruct you in how to properly use your crutches to avoid putting too much weight on your foot.
You will probably wear a bandage or dressing for about a week following the procedure. The stitches are generally removed in 10 to 14 days. However, if your surgeon chose to use sutures that dissolve, you won't need to have the stitches taken out.
When you visit Atlas Physical Therapy after your surgery, our Physical Therapist will develop a personalized rehabilitation program to help speed our recovery. When your recovery is well under way, regular visits to Atlas Physical Therapy will end. Although we will continue to be a resource, you will eventually be in charge of doing therapeutic exercises as part of an ongoing home program.
Atlas Physical Therapy provides services for Physical Therapy in Congress Park, Denver Downtown, Central Park, and Highlands Area.
Physician Review
The diagnosis of a bunionette is usually obvious on physical examination. X-rays may help to see if the foot has splayed and will help decide what needs to be done if surgery is necessary later.
If you end up having surgery on your bunion, you will need additional X-rays during your post-operative follow-up visits, so that the surgeon can follow the healing of the bones and determine how much correction has been achieved.
Surgery
If all else fails, surgery may be recommended to reduce the deformity. Surgery usually involves removing the prominence of bone underneath the bunion to relieve pressure. Surgery may also be done to realign the fifth metatarsal if the foot has splayed.
Bunionette Removal
To remove the prominence, the surgeon makes a small incision in the skin over the bump. The bump is then removed with a small chisel, and the bone edges are smoothed. Once enough bone has been removed, the skin is closed with small stitches.
Distal Osteotomy
If your doctor decides that the angle of the metatarsal is too great, the fifth metatarsal bone may be cut and realigned. This is called an osteotomy. Once the surgeon has performed the osteotomy, the bones are realigned and held in position with metal pins. The metal pins remain in place while the bones heal.
