What Is a Tailor’s Bunion?

Regular bunions are extremely common foot issues that bring people to the foot specialist. A tailor’s bunion, otherwise known as a bunionette, is a less common issue that occurs on the base of the little toe and creates similar symptoms to traditional bunions.

A tailor’s bunion develops when the head of the fifth metatarsal bone of the little toe becomes enlarged. You might notice redness, swelling, or pain around the bunion, especially when you are wearing shoes that rub against the affected area. Without treatment, a tailor’s bunion can become very painful.

This condition actually forms when the mechanical structure of the foot changes and starts to apply pressure to the outside of the foot. If you notice a new bump near the base of your little toe, you should schedule an appointment with the foot specialist so you can talk about bunion removal. In most cases, the podiatrist recommends shoe modifications, oral medications, padding, and icing as potential treatment options.