Also known as a bunionette, the tailor’s bunion is a small protrusion that forms along the side of the little toe. This protrusion is created when the fifth metatarsal bone located at the bottom of the little toe enlarges or shifts to an outward position. The bony protrusion can be painful, and even more so when it rubs against your shoe. They usually begin when you are young and get worse with time.

Regular bunions grow at the base of the big toe on the inside of the foot. Tailor’s bunions are not as common, and they grow on the opposite side of the foot, below the base of the little toe. A tailor’s bunion begins as a small lump and over time, it may grow larger and become more painful and red. When the bunion is irritated by friction against the shoe, it may also swell in addition to being painful.

Conservative treatment often resolves the pain of the tailor’s bunion. There are bunion pads available to protect the area from rubbing against footwear. Wearing flexible shoes with a wide toe box will also help. Narrow, pointed shoes and high-heels will make the bunion worse.

You may also ice the bunion for 5-10 minutes up to three times a day to help with swelling and pain. Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs will help relieve the pain and swelling. Calf stretches twice a day will also help.

If your tailor’s bunion does not respond to these treatments and the pain is ongoing, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections around the joint of your little toe to reduce swelling. You may also be advised to wear a custom-made insert in your shoe to prevent pain and cushion the bunion.

Surgery may be required if the bunion is large and prevents you from wearing normal shoes. If surgery is necessary, your doctor will fully explain the process to you.

Causes

Tailor’s bunions can develop when your shoes do not fit properly. Narrow, high-heeled shoes often cause tailor’s bunions. Some individuals inherit a structural foot problem that can lead to the formation of a bunion. If the little toe is in an abnormal position or the head of the bone is enlarged, it can move out of place, causing a bunion to form.

Other causes for a tailor’s bunion include having an inverted foot, which is one that leans to the outside. Loose ligaments in your foot or tight calf muscles can create the tailor’s bunion as well. You may have a fifth metatarsal bone that is lower than normal.

Ongoing pain from a tailor’s bunion requires treatment. Dr. Stuart Mogul has the expertise and skill to provide you with the best care available. Schedule your appointment for an examination and consultation today to discover your best options for treating your tailor’s bunion.