Tailor's Bunion Treatment

What Is a Tailor's Bunion?

A tailor's bunion, also called a bunionette, is a deformity affecting the fifth metatarsal bone at the base of the small toe. Unlike regular bunions which develop on the inner foot, tailor's bunions occur on the outside of the foot. The condition involves either a bony bump forming at the little toe or the fifth metatarsal bone deviating outward, widening the foot.

Causes

• Inherited mechanical structure of the foot
• Gradual changes in the foot's framework over time
• Fifth metatarsal bone progressively shifting outward while the little toe angles inward
• Bony outgrowth along the fifth metatarsal head

Symptoms

• Redness and swelling at the bump site on the outside of the foot
• Pain at the affected area
• Rubbing and pressure from narrow footwear
• Soft tissue inflammation and irritation
• Thick, non-painful skin on the outside of the foot in some patients

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical

• Wide-toe-box footwear; avoid narrow shoes and high heels
• Ice application to reduce inflammation and pain
• Protective bunionette padding
• Custom orthotic devices
• Corticosteroid injections for inflamed tissue
• Anti-inflammatory medication

Surgical

Customized surgical procedures may include tendon release, bump removal, and bone repositioning to proper alignment. Most patients can walk same-day post-surgery. Dr. Ravaei selects the approach based on the specific type and severity of your deformity.