Tailor's bunion

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Tailor's bunion
X-ray of a tailor's bunion
Synonyms	Bunionette, Digitus quintus varus
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Orthopedics
Symptoms	Pain, swelling, redness at the base of the fifth metatarsal
Complications	Bursitis, callus formation
Onset	Gradual
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Footwear pressure, biomechanical abnormalities
Risks	Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes
Diagnosis	Physical examination, X-ray
Differential diagnosis	Bunion, gout, arthritis
Prevention	Proper footwear, orthotic devices
Treatment	Padding, orthotics, surgery
Medication	NSAIDs for pain relief
Prognosis	Good with treatment
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Tailor's bunion, also known as a bunionette, is a deformity characterized by a prominence of the fifth metatarsal bone at the base of the little toe, causing a painful lump on the outer side of the foot. It resembles a regular bunion (hallux valgus) but occurs on the opposite side of the foot.

Signs and symptoms

Common symptoms of a tailor's bunion include:

• Pain and irritation at the base of the little toe
• Redness and swelling at the affected area
• Difficulty wearing tight or narrow-fitting footwear
• Formation of a hard, prominent bump on the outer edge of the foot
• Possible development of calluses due to friction

Causes

Tailor's bunions are typically caused by structural and biomechanical factors, including:

• Abnormal foot biomechanics, such as flat feet or excessive foot pronation
• Wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes that press on the little toe
• Genetic predisposition and inherited foot structures
• Chronic pressure or repetitive trauma to the fifth metatarsal

Diagnosis

A tailor's bunion is diagnosed based on clinical examination and patient history. X-rays may be used to assess the degree of bone misalignment and rule out other conditions, such as fractures or arthritis.

Treatment

Treatment options vary depending on symptom severity and include:

Non-surgical treatments

• Wearing comfortable, wide-toed shoes to reduce pressure
• Padding or protective cushions over the bunionette
• Use of orthotic devices or custom insoles to correct biomechanical abnormalities
• Application of ice packs or anti-inflammatory medications (such as NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and pain

Surgical treatments

Surgical treatment may be recommended when non-surgical options fail to provide relief. Procedures typically involve:

• Removal of the prominent bone growth (osteotomy)
• Realignment of the fifth metatarsal bone
• Repair of surrounding soft tissues to correct structural imbalances

Recovery after surgery includes limited weight-bearing, use of supportive footwear, and physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility.

Prevention

Preventing a tailor's bunion involves:

• Choosing well-fitting footwear with adequate toe room
• Avoiding high heels and narrow-toed shoes
• Maintaining healthy foot mechanics through exercises or supportive orthotics

See also

• Bunion
• Hallux valgus
• Metatarsalgia
• Podiatry

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