Tailor’s Bunion (Bunionette)
A Tailor’s Bunion, or Bunionette, is when the 5th metatarsal head sticks outward from the foot at the base of the 5th toe.
This deformity is mostly a cosmetic problem, but severe cases can cause painful calluses or even ulcers that require surgical correction of the bony deformity.
This series of educational material is a broad overview of foot problems, and not as detailed as an actual podiatrist visit. I recommend you to see a podiatrist for professional evaluation of your foot and ankle problems. This is for educational purposes only.
This material is from my own experiences seeing patients. Other podiatrists may have different recommendations. Each examination has nuances and details too small to mention in this type of presentation.
What is a Tailor's Bunion (Bunionette)?
Causes
Tailor’s bunions are genetic. It was not caused by the type of shoes or lack of shoes you wore as a child or adult. In rare cases it can be caused by trauma when broken bones healed in an abnormal way.
Sometimes people with a family history of tailor’s bunion worry about getting it themselves and stress over choice of shoes. Wear whatever shoe you want. If you are going to get a tailor’s bunion then nothing will stop it from happening.
Symptoms
5th met head sticking out from the side of the foot.
A callus with or without pain can form over the bony bump.
Over a long time, calluses can turn into ulcers.
Ulcers carry the risk of soft tissue infection; severe ulcers can result in bone infection.
The 5th toe joint may become inflamed and painful walk on due to abnormal bone shape.
Treatment
Treatment is either non-surgical or surgical.
Nonsurgical Accommodation:
Padding over the bony bump.
Wide shoes to accommodate the wide forefoot.
Shoes with soft stretchy mesh toe box to decrease rubbing on the bone bump. Avoid leather or stiff material that will rub on the forefoot.
If the joint is inflamed:
NSAIDs 1-2 weeks.
Ice 2x day 15 mins each for 1-2 weeks.
Stiff soled tennis shoe with carbon fiber insert (or surgical shoe) to prevent bending at the joint.
If someone has an ulcer or long-term callus and/or joint pain:
Discuss surgical options with your podiatrist.