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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Treatment options vary depending on symptom severity and include:

Non-surgical treatments[edit | edit source]

  • 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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD