The Difference between Bunions and Bunionettes of the Foot
Bunions (hallux valgus) and bunionettes (tailor’s bunions) are common foot deformities that can cause significant pain and disrupt daily life. These conditions involve misalignment of the big or little toe joint, often resulting in inflammation, stiffness, and difficulty walking. While surgery is a traditional option, chiropractic care offers a gentle, non-invasive alternative, helping restore joint alignment, reduce pain, and improve foot function over time.
What Are Bunions and Bunionettes?
- Bunions (hallux valgus) develop when the big toe drifts inward toward the others, causing the base joint to protrude outward.
- Bunionettes (tailor’s bunions) affect the outside of the foot at the little toe joint and may cause similar symptoms.
Factors like tight shoes, foot structure, excessive eversion, and pronation can contribute to these conditions. Conservative treatments like chiropractic adjustments, proper footwear, orthotics, toe separators, and exercises can help, but they often don’t address the root cause—restricted joint mobility and alignment.
Why Chiropractic Care Makes a Difference
Chiropractors trained in foot and ankle care use various hands-on methods—such as joint adjustments, soft tissue work, and mobilizations—to improve foot alignment and restore movement in the smaller bones of the feet. A recent systematic review found that chiropractic is effective for preventing and managing sport-related lower limb issues, including bunions (1).
In a pilot study by Brantingham et al. (2005), patients with symptomatic bunions followed a conservative chiropractic protocol involving specific foot adjustments and cryotherapy (ice therapy). The study reported a statistically significant improvement in both pain sensitivity—measured by pressure-pain threshold—and overall foot function, using the Foot Function Index (FFI), a tool that assesses pain and disability (2). These findings suggest chiropractic care can reduce bunion pain and improve daily comfort and mobility.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Bunion Discomfort
- Foot Joint Realignment
- Improves the alignment of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints affected by bunions or bunionettes.
- Helps restore the natural motion of the 26-foot bones, reducing stress on inflamed areas (1, 2).
- Soft Tissue and Muscle Release
- Releases tight muscles and connective tissues that can pull the toe out of alignment.
- Enhances blood flow and reduces inflammation.
- Footwear & Orthotic Guidance
- Chiropractors assess your gait and footwear, recommending better-fitting shoes, toe spreaders, or custom orthotics to support proper toe alignment.
- Strengthening and Stretching Plans
- Includes targeted foot and calf exercises to support arch strength and distribute foot pressure more evenly, helping stabilize and prevent bunion progression.
A Holistic Road to Foot Comfort
Chiropractic care for bunions and bunionettes is a non-surgical, integrative approach that supports long-term foot health:
- Restores joint alignment and mobility
- Reduces pain and inflammation naturally
- Helps prevent progression without invasive procedures
- Supports whole-body balance by improving foot mechanics
References:
- Brantingham, J. W., et al. (2001). A systematic review of chiropractic management of lower extremity conditions. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 24(5), 340–346.
- Brantingham, J. W., et al. (2005). Conservative chiropractic management of symptomatic hallux valgus: a pilot study. Journal of the American Chiropractic Association, 42(3), 32–39.