Tailor's Bunion

In this post you will find information and treatment recommendations for a Tailor's Bunion. What is a Tailor's Bunion? A Tailor's Bunion is a bump on the outside of the foot near the base of the little toe. This bump is the enlargement or malposition of the 5th Metatarsal head at the joint of the little toe. This prominence may protrude and may become very painful. Most pain and inflammation is created by the external pressure and friction from shoe gear. Sometimes, a bursitis can develop in this area due to the chronic pressure from shoes against the bone. If the area is swollen and erythematous (red), then there is likely a coexisting bursae (bursitis) over the bone prominence.

Treatment

1) Wear wider shoes: most inflammation and pain is from shoe gear putting pressure on, and rubbing on the bone prominence. Sometimes a simple change in shoes can make a difference. Wider shoes or shoes with a more rounded toe-box can help reduce pain. To see appropriate shoe gear click: "Shoes For Foot Pain" or "Sandals" links found above. Here you will find a variety of shoes that come in different widths and have a more rounded toe box that may help keep pressure off the painful area.

2) Ice and Anti-inflammatories: apply ice to the painful swollen area 1-2 times per day, for 20 minutes each time. No longer. Oral anti-inflammatories can reduce pain and inflammation as well. These treatments can help with pain but they will not cure the problem which is the bone prominence.

3) Padding: special types of padding materials can also keep pressure off the bone prominence. To see the types of pads, that can be used in shoes, click: "Helpful Foot Pain Products" link found above.

The above treatments may greatly reduce pain and discomfort, but if not, the condition may need to be fixed through surgery. Surgery can be helpful in reducing the bone prominence thus, making shoe gear more comfortable. Seek medical attention if conservative treatments are not helpful.