Tailor’s Bunion Treatment in Sugar Land, TX

Treatment Options for Bunion Pain

You probably know what a bunion is, but many people are unaware of the specific causes, symptoms, and treatment options for a Tailor’s bunion. Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists provide Tailor’s bunion treatment for patients in Sugar Land, TX. Treatment for bunion pain is available, and we can help. We invite you to learn more about bunion pain treatment, bunion treatment surgery, and more. Get in touch with us today to request a consultation.

What Is a Tailor’s Bunion?

Before exploring the best bunion treatment options, it’s important to understand what a tailor’s bunion is. You might hear a tailor’s bunion referred to as a bunionette. An enlargement of the head of the fifth metatarsal bone near the base of the little toe is what you’re dealing with if you have a tailor’s bunion. Tailor’s bunions are not as common as regular bunions that occur at the big toe, however, both types of bunions have similar symptoms and causes. If you’re wondering why they call it a tailor’s bunion, we have the answer for you. The name comes from back in the time when tailors would sit cross-legged with the outside edge of their feet rubbing on the ground. This rubbing motion led to a painful bump forming at the base of the little toe. Today, tailor’s bunions can occur for many reasons.

The Symptoms of Tailor’s Bunions

The symptoms of tailor’s bunions may include redness, swelling, and pain at the enlargement site. Your symptoms will occur when you wear shoes that rub against the enlargement, irritating the soft tissues underneath the skin and producing inflammation. If you have a swollen bump on the outside of your little toe, you likely have a tailor’s bunion. These bumps can start out small and become larger over time. Tailor’s bunions can form on one or both feet.

The Causes of a Tailor’s Bunion

If you suffer from tailor’s bunions, you might be wondering what causes them and if there’s anything you can do to prevent them from happening in the future. Tailor’s bunions are caused by an inherited change of the mechanical structure of the foot. When the little toe moves inward, the fifth metatarsal bone begins to protrude outward. This shift leads to a bump on the outside of the foot that becomes irritated when you wear a shoe that presses against it. You can develop a tailor’s bunion from wearing poorly fitting shoes. You are also more likely to have tailor’s bunions if your parents had them. Loose ligaments in the foot and tight calf muscles can also be responsible for tailor’s bunions.

Signs You Need Surgery for Tailor’s Bunions

Bunion surgery is not always required, but it can be an option. Most bunions and tailor’s bunions can be treated without surgery, but in some cases, it may be your best choice. Bunion surgery might be necessary if you are dealing with any of the following scenarios:

• Toe Stiffness – Your big toe should be able to bend and straighten with no pain. If you cannot move your toe in this fashion, you may require surgery.
• Difficulty Walking – If your tailor’s bunion is causing you so much pain that you have difficulty walking or doing other routine activities, surgery might be the way to go.
• Ineffective Conservative Treatments – Surgery is always a last resort for bunions. Our foot doctors will try more conservative bunion treatment methods with you before recommending surgery. If those treatments fail, we will discuss the possibility of bunion surgery.

Tailor’s Bunion Treatment Options

Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists recommend conservative treatment for tailor’s bunions whenever possible. Learn more about some of the bunion treatment methods we advise:

• Shoe Modifications – Choose wide shoes that do not rub against your foot. You may want to void shoes with pointed toes or high heels.
• Oral Medications – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen, may help relieve your pain and inflammation.
• Padding – Placing pads around the bunion area may help reduce your pain levels.
• Icing – Using an ice pack applied to your bunion can reduce pain and inflammation.
• Prevention – Be proactive and take early steps to prevent the development of tailor’s bunions. The best way to learn prevention techniques is to schedule an appointment with our podiatrists.

Expectations for Bunion Surgery Recovery

If it’s determined that bunionette surgery is right for you, you will need to take some steps to aid in a productive recovery period. After your tailor’s bunion surgery, keep weight off your affected foot. Use a walker or crutches to assist you in getting around. You might have to wear a boot or splint for three to 12 weeks, so your foot is protected while healing. You will likely need to stay home from work for a few weeks, depending on how much walking your job involves. If non-surgical treatments are used to treat your tailor’s bunion, they may take three to six months. Tailor’s bunion surgery can require up to three months for a full recovery. It may be a year before swelling in your affected toe goes down fully. Foot and ankle exercises and physical therapy may aid in your recovery.

Schedule Your Bunion Consultation Today

If you’re experiencing bunion pain, we can help. Our podiatrists can determine whether you have a tailor’s bunion and the best bunion treatment options for your foot. We have two convenient locations in the Sugar Land area. Contact us today to request a consultation.