What is Tailor's bunion caused by?
A bunionette is similar to a bunion, but is found on the outside of the foot. It is sometimes referred to as a Tailor's bunion due to the sitting position of tailors while working, cross legged with the outside edge of their feet rubbing on the ground. This produces a pressure area and callus on the outer edge of their feet at the area of the fifth toe joint.
What do they look and feel like?
The bunionette is a response to the pressure from the shoe on the head of the fifth metatarsal. At first the bump is made up of irritated, swollen tissue that is constantly caught between the shoe and the bone beneath the skin. As time goes on, the constant pressure may cause the bone to thicken as well, creating an even larger lump to rub against the shoe. The swelling in the area causes a visible bump that some people find cosmetically unappealing. Bunionettes can be painful and patients often experience difficulty when buying shoes.
What can be done to treat Tailor's bunion?
Using proper shoes that will accommodate the width of the foot. Pads over the area of the bunionette can relieve some of the pressure and reduce pain. These pads are usually sold in drug and grocery stores. They are small, round and have a hole in the middle (like a small donut). If all else fails surgery may be recommended by your podiatrist to reduce the deformity. Surgery usually involves either removing the prominence of bone underneath the bunion to relieve pressure - or to realign the fifth metatarsal if there is splaying of the foot.
Credit: University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio
