A tailor’s bunion, also called a bunionette, is a bony bump that forms at the base of the pinkie toe, on the outside edge of the fifth MTP joint.  While the name bunionette suggests a smaller version of the bunions that form at the base of the big toe, the term tailor’s bunion has a richer history. Years ago, tailors sat cross-legged while working, pressing the edges of their feet into the ground or their chairs. That position put extra pressure on the toe joints, leading to the shifts that cause bunionettes to form, and giving the foot deformity its playful nickname.

What could be mistaken for a tailor's bunion? a comparison of a normal foot and a foot with a tailor's bunion

Some people think that bunions are only a big toe problem. For that reason, some people confuse tailor’s bunions with other conditions. Often, people confuse this bump with corns and calluses; ganglion cysts (fluid-filled sacs that feel lumpy, and tend to develop near tendons or joints); bursitis (caused by inflamed bursae in your joint); or bone spurs.

Often, the confusion arises because a tailor’s bunion shares symptoms with these other conditions, including:

  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Discomfort when walking

When you notice changes in the shape of your foot, but you’re not sure what’s causing the deformity, the best way to diagnose a tailor’s bunion—or any other foot condition—is to check in with Marietta podiatrist Dr. Alvin Cowans.

How serious is a tailor's bunion?

Just like bunions, bunionettes aren’t a serious health concern.  However, they can easily interfere with your quality of life, causing chronic pain and impacting your mobility. Even when small bunionettes are not disrupting your daily routines, seeking treatment is important. Left alone, a tailor’s bunion will progress in size. So seeking early intervention will prevent that progression. It may also help you find relief without the need for surgery.

How do I get rid of a tailor's bunion?

If you want to minimize discomfort and prevent progression, we can provide non-surgical treatment for your tailor's bunion. Typically, we’ll begin by addressing your footwear, switching you to wider shoes that will take pressure off your toe joints. We can also pad the bunionette to reduce rubbing and discomfort. And fitting you for custom orthotics can correct the mechanical forces that contributed to the formation of your tailor’s bunion. If pain is a concern, we can also suggest non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, to help reduce swelling and discomfort.

These non-invasive treatment options are highly effective at managing pain and preventing bunionette progression. However, if you want to get rid of a tailor’s bunion, surgery is your only option. At Optimum Podiatry, we can correct a bunionette with minimally-invasive surgery. Open surgery may also be recommended. The treatment path we recommend will depend on the severity of your tailor’s bunion, along with your lifestyle and personal preferences.

What happens if a bunionette is left untreated? 

If you don't correct or treat your tailor's bunion, the deformity will keep getting worse. Not only will the bony bump get larger, but your symptom burden will likely worsen, resulting in swelling and pain. 

But that's not all. When you don't treat a bunionette, you could increase your risk for other toe conditions such as:

  • Corns
  • Bursitis
  • Hammertoes
  • Arthritis

Seeking early intervention helps prevent complications and reduces the odds that you'll need surgical treatment. 

When to see a doctor

Too many patients ignore toe problems, thinking they're not worthy of treatment. But contary to popular belief, your toes deserve just as much attention as the rest of your body. So, if you've noticed changes in the shape of your feet, or if you're experiencing discomfort with movement or when putting on shoes, now's the time to seek treatment. The sooner you take care of a tailor's bunion, the more effective our non-invasive treatments will be. So call our office today at 770-727-0614 or follow this link to request an appointment. When you come into our office, conveniently located in Powder Springs, GA, Dr. Cowans will assess the current state of your pinky toe health. After providing an accurate diagnosis, he will present you with a personalized treatment plan designed to relieve discomfort and support your optimal mobility. So reach out to our team today, to keep a small bunionette fom becoming a big one!