Bunionette

Tailor’s bunion, also called a bunionette, is a prominence of the fifth metatarsal bone at the base of the little toe. The metatarsals are the five long bones of the foot. The prominence that characterizes a tailor’s bunion occurs at the metatarsal “head,” located at the far end of the bone where it meets the toe. Tailor’s bunions are not as common as bunions, which occur on the inside of the foot, but they are similar in symptoms and causes.

Tailor’s bunion is most frequently caused by an inherited faulty mechanical structure of the foot resulting in the fifth metatarsal bone starting to protrude outward, while the little toe moves inward creating a bump on the outside of the foot that becomes irritated with shoe gear. Another cause for a tailor's bunion is a bony spur (an outgrowth of bone) on the side of the fifth metatarsal head.

Symptoms associated with a tailor’s bunions can include redness, swelling, and pain to the site of the enlargement. These symptoms tend to worsen with shoes that rub against the enlargement, irritating the soft tissues underneath the skin and producing inflammation.

Treatment for tailor’s bunion typically begins with non-surgical therapies, which may include:

• Shoe modifications. Shoes with a wide toe box. Avoid shoes with pointed toes or high heels.
• Padding. Pads placed over the area may help reduce pain.
• Oral medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help relieve the pain and inflammation.
• Injection therapy. Injections of corticosteroid may be used to treat the inflamed tissue around the joint.
• Orthotic devices.
  

Surgery is often considered when pain continues despite the above approaches. Surgery can include many different procedures or combination of procedures based upon x-ray findings, age and activity level.

If you or some one you know is suffering from a tailor's bunion, please do not hesitate to give our office a call for further information or to set-up a consultation, 1-440-946-5858.