Tailor's bunion
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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