Tailor’s Bunion

What is a Tailor's Bunion?

A Tailor’s Bunion is a bunion of the fifth toe joint, or ‘little toe’, characterised by:
• a bump on the outside of the foot at the fifth metatarsal head
• outward angulation of the fifth metatarsal bone
• inward rotation of the little toe.

Tailor’s Bunions often occur when the ligaments that hold the bones of the foot together become more flexible than normal, allowing the fifth metatarsal bone to slowly move outward and the little toe to turn in toward the fourth toe.

There are several possible causes for this increased flexibility, including genetics, flat feet, injury and aging.

In addition, Tailor’s Bunions can be made worse by:

  • inappropriate footwear, particularly high heels
  • arthritis of the fifth toe joint
  • injury to the outside of the foot
  • excessive pronation or ‘rolling in’ of the foot
tailors-bunion
Stiches-on-right-foot-after-a-bunion-surgery

Seek treatment early

It is important to seek treatment early for Tailor’s Bunions because once they progress past the threshold for early treatment options you may need surgery to repair the toe joint.

The primary goal of early treatment is to relieve pressure on the bunion and halt the progression of the joint deformity, so your podiatrist may recommend:

Prescription orthotics are important

Prescription orthotics are important in the treatment of Tailor’s Bunions because although they cannot cure a bunion they can slow the progression of the deformity by:

  • reducing the effects of excessive ligament flexibility
  • reducing pressure on the fifth metatarsal head
  • correct any problems with foot alignment that may have contributed to the development of the deformity

If you think you have a Tailor’s Bunion, or are concerned you may be developing one, contact us.

tailors-bunion-graphic
Scroll to Top
Book Online Call Now