Tailor’s Bunion (Bunionette)
Tailor’s bunion is a prominence of the 5th metatarsal bone, at the base of the little toe. Tailor’s bunion is not as common as a bunion, but presents with similar symptoms. The pain and discomfort stems from pressure or friction at the site.
Tailor’s bunion is caused by abnormal mechanical structure of the foot. As a result, the 5th metatarsal bone protrudes outward, while the little toe drifts inwards. This shift creates a little bump on the sides of the foot, behind the little toe.
Symptoms and Diagnosis:
The symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain at the site in contact with the shoewear. Tailor’s bunion is easily diagnosed because of the prominent protrusion visually. X-ray can be ordered to assess the extent of the deformity, and observe any resulting arthritis.
Treatment:
Conservative treatment is meant to decrease the symptoms, and not cure the deformity. The following conservative treatments may be selected.
Surgical intervention can be considered if symptoms are not addressed by conservative treatments. The surgical procedure will depend on the degree of deformity. This will in turn dictate the recovery period, and other risk factors.
Tailor’s bunion is a prominence of the 5th metatarsal bone, at the base of the little toe. Tailor’s bunion is not as common as a bunion, but presents with similar symptoms. The pain and discomfort stems from pressure or friction at the site.
Tailor’s bunion is caused by abnormal mechanical structure of the foot. As a result, the 5th metatarsal bone protrudes outward, while the little toe drifts inwards. This shift creates a little bump on the sides of the foot, behind the little toe.
Symptoms and Diagnosis:
The symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain at the site in contact with the shoewear. Tailor’s bunion is easily diagnosed because of the prominent protrusion visually. X-ray can be ordered to assess the extent of the deformity, and observe any resulting arthritis.
Treatment:
Conservative treatment is meant to decrease the symptoms, and not cure the deformity. The following conservative treatments may be selected.
- Shoe modifications. Choose shoes that have a wide toe box, and avoid those with pointed toes or high heels.
- Padding. Bunionette pads placed over the area may help reduce pain.
- Oral medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help relieve the pain and inflammation.
- Icing. An ice pack may be applied to reduce pain and inflammation. Wrap the pack in a thin towel rather than placing ice directly on your skin.
- Injection therapy. Injections of corticosteroid may be used to treat the inflamed tissue around the joint.
- Orthotic devices. In some cases, custom orthotic devices may be provided.
Surgical intervention can be considered if symptoms are not addressed by conservative treatments. The surgical procedure will depend on the degree of deformity. This will in turn dictate the recovery period, and other risk factors.