Tailor’s Bunion

What is a tailors bunion or bunionette?

A bunionette is similar to a bunion, but it develops on the outside of the foot. It is sometimes referred to as a tailor’s bunion because tailors once sat cross-legged all day with the outside edge of their feet rubbing on the ground. This produced a pressure area and callus at the bottom of the fifth toe.

What causes a tailors bunion:

A bunionette is most likely caused by an abnormal bump over the end of the fifth metatarsal (the metatarsal head) rubbing on shoes that are too narrow. Some people’s feet widen as they grow older, until the foot splays. This can cause a bunion on one side of the foot and a bunionette on the other if they continue to wear shoes that are too narrow. The constant pressure produces a callus and a thickening of the tissues over the bump, leading to a painful growth on the outside of the foot. Many problems that occur in the feet are the result of abnormal pressure or rubbing.

Symptoms of a tailor’s bunion:

Most of the symptoms of a tailor’s bunion that develop over time are because the skin and soft tissue are caught between the hard bone on the inside and the hard shoe on the outside. Any prominence, or bump, in the bone will make the situation even worse over the bump.

How do we diagnose tailors bunion:

The diagnosis of a bunionette is usually obvious on physical examination. X-rays may help to see if the foot has splayed and will help decide what needs to be done if surgery is necessary later.