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Tailor’s Bunion

What is a Tailor’s Bunion or Bunionette?

A bunionette is similar to a bunion but smaller, and on the opposite side of the foot. It affects the joint just before the smallest toe, named the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint. Over time, a bump of bone gradually develops to the side of this joint and can become painful. As the size increases it becomes more difficult to find comfortable footwear, and symptoms of pain develop. A bunionette is often called a Tailor’s bunion because they were frequently seen in tailors who used to sit cross-legged while working.

What causes a bunionette?

Similarly to a bunion, there are no single definitive causes but, some people are genetically predisposed to developing them. We also know that repetitive trauma to a bone stimulates extra bone growth which increases its size.

What are bunionette symptoms?

Typical symptoms involve pain in this joint exacerbated from activity. Finding footwear wide enough to accommodate the bump can be a problem as pressure from shoes can be painful.

Bunionette pain on the bottom of the foot

A bunionette can be painful under and to the side of the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint. As the bump increases in size, pressure to the area increases which can also cause callus and corn formation.

Bunionette treatment

Conservative treatments include footwear changes, corn and callus removal, and custom foot orthoses (insoles). These insoles can be made to offload this joint which reduces pain and pressure. However, to accommodate this,there needs to be enough space in the shoes. Sometimes a pad with a cavity to place over the joint can help prevent rubbing from the shoe.

If the pain in the joint is acute, a one off therapeutic injection could be carried out to manage the pain. In a large portion of cases however, surgical options eventually need to be considered. This involves shaving the bony bump off, and often realigning the 5th metatarsal bone.

How to prevent bunionettes from getting worse

There are no guaranteed treatments to prevent them from becoming worse but you can manage them the best you can to help slow down worsening. If your feet are hypermobile (very flexible), stabilising them with custom foot orthoses (insoles) may help. These can be made to also include offloading of the joint.

Bunionette pads

Bunionette pads can be made and applied to the foot. These include a cavity for the bump to sit into and take pressure from this area. As with the insoles, there needs to be enough room in the shoe to accommodate this.

Related treatments

Treating Ingrown Toenails

Tailor's Bunion

Bunions

Book an appointment
Our consultants

Testimonials

  • I’ve suffered with hip pain and numbness for most of the last decade and had tried everything from acupuncture to sports massage.

    ANNA PURSGLOVE
    Journalist & Editor
  • While skiing, this year, I suffered from bad knee pains and foot cramps. A specialist at the resort recommended a trip to PODOGO…

    DEEPAK JASSAL
  • I cannot recommend Dr Nazir and his team enough. They’re kind, supportive and with you every step of the way…

    KATE MCGEE

Read More

sever-disease
August 3, 2017

Key signs of Sever’s Disease (Heel Pain)

Key signs of Sever’s Disease (Heel Pain) Pain in heel – usually when weight bearing. Adolescents aged 7-14 years, especially those who are active in sports. Overview The calcaneal tendon (achilles tendon) is the strongest tendon in the body, and it connects both the gastrocnemius and soleus, known as the calf muscles, to the calcaneus […]

T89UFBiz
August 9, 2017

Why should you consult a professional podiatrist for your foot and ankle problems?

Why should you consult a professional podiatrist for your foot and ankle problems? When it comes to managing health problems associated with the feet, plenty of people choose to go to a general physician. However, in such cases a professional podiatrist is the specialist that is most trained and competent in assessing, diagnosing and treating […]

2
September 15, 2017

Pregnancy and your Feet

Pregnancy and your Feet Your feet are a very important part of your body that are often overlooked and neglected until problems arise. Women that have given birth are more likely to develop lower limb musculoskeletal problems than those who have never given birth. There is also good evidence documenting an increase in foot width, […]

Tailor’s Bunion

What is a Tailor’s Bunion or Bunionette?

A bunionette is similar to a bunion but smaller, and on the opposite side of the foot. It affects the joint just before the smallest toe, named the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint. Over time, a bump of bone gradually develops to the side of this joint and can become painful. As the size increases it becomes more difficult to find comfortable footwear, and symptoms of pain develop. A bunionette is often called a Tailor’s bunion because they were frequently seen in tailors who used to sit cross-legged while working.

What causes a bunionette?

Similarly to a bunion, there are no single definitive causes but, some people are genetically predisposed to developing them. We also know that repetitive trauma to a bone stimulates extra bone growth which increases its size.

What are bunionette symptoms?

Typical symptoms involve pain in this joint exacerbated from activity. Finding footwear wide enough to accommodate the bump can be a problem as pressure from shoes can be painful.

Bunionette pain on the bottom of the foot

A bunionette can be painful under and to the side of the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint. As the bump increases in size, pressure to the area increases which can also cause callus and corn formation.

Bunionette treatment

Conservative treatments include footwear changes, corn and callus removal, and custom foot orthoses (insoles). These insoles can be made to offload this joint which reduces pain and pressure. However, to accommodate this,there needs to be enough space in the shoes. Sometimes a pad with a cavity to place over the joint can help prevent rubbing from the shoe.

If the pain in the joint is acute, a one off therapeutic injection could be carried out to manage the pain. In a large portion of cases however, surgical options eventually need to be considered. This involves shaving the bony bump off, and often realigning the 5th metatarsal bone.

How to prevent bunionettes from getting worse

There are no guaranteed treatments to prevent them from becoming worse but you can manage them the best you can to help slow down worsening. If your feet are hypermobile (very flexible), stabilising them with custom foot orthoses (insoles) may help. These can be made to also include offloading of the joint.

Bunionette pads

Bunionette pads can be made and applied to the foot. These include a cavity for the bump to sit into and take pressure from this area. As with the insoles, there needs to be enough room in the shoe to accommodate this.

Related treatments

Treating Ingrown Toenails

Tailor's Bunion

Bunions

Book an appointment
Our consultants

Testimonials

  • I’ve suffered with hip pain and numbness for most of the last decade and had tried everything from acupuncture to sports massage.

    ANNA PURSGLOVE
    Journalist & Editor
  • While skiing, this year, I suffered from bad knee pains and foot cramps. A specialist at the resort recommended a trip to PODOGO…

    DEEPAK JASSAL
  • I cannot recommend Dr Nazir and his team enough. They’re kind, supportive and with you every step of the way…

    KATE MCGEE

Read More

sever-disease
August 3, 2017

Key signs of Sever’s Disease (Heel Pain)

Key signs of Sever’s Disease (Heel Pain) Pain in heel – usually when weight bearing. Adolescents aged 7-14 years, especially those who are active in sports. Overview The calcaneal tendon (achilles tendon) is the strongest tendon in the body, and it connects both the gastrocnemius and soleus, known as the calf muscles, to the calcaneus […]

T89UFBiz
August 9, 2017

Why should you consult a professional podiatrist for your foot and ankle problems?

Why should you consult a professional podiatrist for your foot and ankle problems? When it comes to managing health problems associated with the feet, plenty of people choose to go to a general physician. However, in such cases a professional podiatrist is the specialist that is most trained and competent in assessing, diagnosing and treating […]

2
September 15, 2017

Pregnancy and your Feet

Pregnancy and your Feet Your feet are a very important part of your body that are often overlooked and neglected until problems arise. Women that have given birth are more likely to develop lower limb musculoskeletal problems than those who have never given birth. There is also good evidence documenting an increase in foot width, […]

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  • Home
  • Services
    ▼
    • Podiatry
    • Foot and Ankle Surgery
    • Gait Analysis
    • Orthotics
  • Sports Injuries
    ▼
    • Running Injuries
    • Golf Injuries
    • Football Injuries
    • Cycling Injuries
    • Dancing Injuries
  • Foot Problems
    ▼
    • Bunions
    • Morton’s Neuroma
    • Heel Pain
    • Ingrown Toe Nail
    • Hammer Toe
    • View All
  • Foot Treatments
    ▼
    • Bunion Treatment
    • Morton’s Neuroma
    • Heel Pain Treatment
    • Ingrown Toe Nail Removal
    • Hammer Toe Correction
    • View All
  • Your Visit
  • About Us
    ▼
    • Team
    • Privacy Policy
  • Dubai
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • COVID-19