Tailor's bunion

Tailor's bunion is a condition caused as a result of inflammation of the fifth metatarsal bone at the base of the little toe.[1]

Tailor's bunion
Other namesBunionette or Digitus quintus varus
SpecialtyPodiatry

It is usually characterized by inflammation, pain and redness of the little toe.

Often a tailor's bunion is caused by a faulty mechanical structure of the foot. The fifth metatarsal bone starts to protrude outward, while the little toe moves inward. This change in alignment creates an enlargement on the outside of the foot.

It is mostly similar to a bunion (the same type of ailment affecting the big toe). It is called Tailor's Bunion because in past centuries, tailors sat cross-legged,[2] and this was thought to cause this protrusion on the outside aspect of the foot.

Treatment

Non-surgical therapies include:[1]

  • Shoe modifications: wearing shoes that have a wide toe box, and avoiding those with pointed toes or high heels.
  • Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help in relieving the pain and inflammation.
  • Injections of corticosteroid are commonly used to treat the inflammation.
  • Bunionette pads placed over the affected area may help reduce pain.
  • An ice pack may be applied to reduce pain and inflammation.

Surgery is often considered when pain continues for a long period with no improvement in these non-surgical therapies.

Diagnosis

Tailor's bunion is easily diagnosed because the protrusion is visually apparent. X-rays may be ordered to help the surgeon find out the severity of the deformity.

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See also
  • Tailor's muscle

References
  1. "Tailor's Bunion". footphysicians.com. Retrieved December 31, 2009.
  2. "A Patient's Guide to Bunionette (Tailor's Bunion)". Medical Multimedia Group. July 22, 2002. Retrieved May 3, 2015.


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