Tailor’s Bunion
Description:
A tailor’s bunion or “bunionette” is an enlarged or prominent bone on the outside of the fifth toe joint. Most tailor’s bunions are inherited and form as the joint responds to abnormal pressure on the foot from tight, restrictive or flat shoes without support.
This condition is associated with other foot conditions such as:
Pain ranges from dull to sharp depending upon the level of irritation and compression of the nerves that are around this area.
Treatment: Conservative Care:
| Shoes: | A larger, softer shoe can relieve the direct pressure or pressure from adjacent toes. Make sure that the shoe has enough room at the end about the width of your thumb and that the toe box (front of the shoe) is high enough to allow your toes to move freely. |
| Padding: | There is an array of over the counter pads. They can be placed directly over or on either side of the tailor’s bunion to relieve the pressure. |
| Medication: | Anti-inflammatory medication (Eg. Ibuprofen, Naprosyn) aspirin products, and Acetaminophen can help with the chronic pain, but are not much help with the acute pain. |
| Arch support: | Temporary arch supports or custom molded orthotics will hold the foot in a better position which minimizes protrusion of the bone and are the best solution for long term treatment with or without surgical intervention. |
Surgical Options:
The bone structure causing the pressure is either remodeled and smoothed down or repositioned. Incisions are minimal and vary (average 1.5cm to 3/4 inch) and sutures are removed at 2 weeks. The procedure is performed at an outpatient facility under sedation. Partial weight bearing is allowed after 48 to 72 hours of non weight bearing if the bone is only remodeled. Partial weight bearing is allowed after 1 to 3 weeks of non weight bearing with crutches if the bone is also repositioned.
