Tailor’s Bunion: The Bump on Your Pinky Toe

While you may be familiar with the typical bunion that affects the big toe, causing the big toe to turn inward towards the second toe, there is another type of bunion: tailor’s bunion, also known as a bunionette.

What is Tailor’s bunion?

Unlike your typical bunion that affects the big toe, a tailor’s bunion or a bunionette affects the pinky toe. This condition is a deformity of the knuckle on the fifth toe that creates a bulge on the outside of the foot.

Similar to the familiar bunion that affects the big and second toe, a tailor’s bunion can cause the affected toe to turn inward and lead the toe to shift under or over your other toes. This condition gets its name from tailors who sat cross-legged on the floor for long periods of time, causing the outside of their toes to rub against the floor, leading to this type of bunion.

What Causes Tailor’s bunion?

A tailor’s bunion is often inherited or resulted from various forms of arthritis. Additionally, if you spend extended amounts of time in ill-fitting or tight shoes like high heels, it can cause the condition to worsen.

What are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of tailor’s bunion are comparable to that of a traditional bunion. You may experience pain ranging in severity, redness, and swelling. This type of bunion will not affect your overall health beyond the discomfort you experience. If you believe you are suffering from a Tailor’s bunion, there are surgical and nonsurgical treatment options.

What is the Treatment for Tailor’s Bunion?

Tailor’s bunion is a condition that develops gradually over time, and the only way to resolve the issue is to seek treatment. It will not go away on its own.

Nonsurgical treatments can include wearing wide shoes to give the toe room to breathe and using shoe inserts for more padding and support.

You can also take anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medications to manage the pain and swelling. If conservative treatments prove ineffective, your physician may recommend surgery.

Tailor’s Bunion Surgery

Surgery for this condition has a high success rate with a relatively short recovery time of 2 to 3 weeks, or in some cases up to 6 weeks, depending on the severity of the bunion and the type of surgery your physician recommends.

If you notice changes in the position of your toes or are experiencing pain that is affecting your daily life, be proactive and consult your physician to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

 

If you believe you are suffering from tailor’s bunion or another foot condition and want to be evaluated by one of our physicians at Triad Foot & Ankle Center, please call 336-375-6990, or click here to schedule an appointment online.

 

 

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