A Tailor’s Bunion (bunionette) is seen as an enlargement or “bump” on the outside of the foot near the little toe. A tailor’s bunion forms when one of the long bones of the foot, known as the fifth metatarsal, becomes dislocated towards the outside of the foot.
Tailor’s Bunion Causes
The problem is often aggravated by narrow shoes, and a callus often forms on the side and underneath the bone.
- Genetic predisposition
- Wearing poorly fitting shoes such as narrow shoes, high hills, short shoes, and flat shoes
Tailor’s Bunion Symptoms
Symptoms of a Tailor’s Bunion gradually progresses and is usually noticed by the bump forming on the outside toe.
- Pain
- Inflammation and swelling
- Limited movement on the affected toe
- Foot deformation
Treatment
- Supportive footwear or custom orthotics. At Premier Foot and Ankle Center we use an innovative method called a VFAS procedure to fit orthotics that can be taken home the same day.
- Applying ice to help with pain and inflammation
- Cortisone injections and oral medications may help
- Surgery may be needed if conservative treatments fail.
Tailor’s Bunion Surgery
The corrective procedure most often performed at Premier Foot and Ankle Center is as follows:
- An incision approximately 1/8 inch in length is made over the “neck” of the fifth metatarsal bone.
- Then using a dental-type drill, a small cut is made across the bone in this area enabling the doctor to reposition the head of the metatarsal to its normal anatomical position. Thus, the part of the bone causing the “bump” is repositioned and realigned back inside the foot in the normal anatomical position.
Recovery
It is usually necessary to wear a post-surgical shoe for 2 weeks after this procedure is performed.
