Question
My daughter has a bone protruding on the side of her foot right below her small toe.  There is no pain when walking, but if she puts on closed-toe shoes, the pain is terrible. The bone sticks out obviously farther than the one on her other foot.  Is she going to have to have surgery

Answer
Hi Rebecca,

This sounds like a Tailor's bunion or bunionette.  If this is a bunionette, these don't heal themselves and may require surgery.
Typically the pain can be managed with wider shoes and custom arch supports.  However, eventually the pain may be severe enough that surgery may be required.
See below:
http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com/document_disorders.cfm?id=222

I would see a Podiatrist and have x-rays to confirm the diagnosis and to talk about treatment options.

Hope that helps. Good Luck.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com
www.fix-my-foot.com