What Is a Tailor’s Bunion?

A Tailor’s bunion also goes by another name, a bunionette. It is located on the outside of the little toe and causes inflammation and a bump to form. The Tailor’s bunion got its name by centuries ago and was named after tailors who sat cross-legged all day. The outside edge of their feet constantly rubbed against the ground, which led to a painful bump at the base of the little toe. In this day and age, bunionettes can occur when feet rub against the insides of shoes.

Symptoms:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Bump on the outside of the little toe
• Pain on the outside of the little toe

There are surgical and non-surgical treatments of bunionettes. Podiatrists first take X-rays of the foot to determine proper diagnosis.

Non-Surgical Treatment

• Shoe modifications. Choose shoes that have a wide toe box, and avoid those with pointed toes or high heels.
• Padding. Bunionette pads placed over the area may help reduce pain.
• Oral medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help relieve the pain and inflammation.Icing. An ice pack may be applied to reduce pain and inflammation. Wrap the pack in a thin towel rather than placing ice directly on your skin.
• Injection therapy. Injections of corticosteroid may be used to treat the inflamed tissue around the joint.
• Orthotic devices. In some cases, custom orthotic devices may be provided by the foot and ankle surgeon.

Surgery

• Surgery is considered after non-surgical options are exhausted and if pain continues.