Understanding Tailor’s Bunion

The Tailor’s Bunion or Bunionette is a protrusion of bone (bony bump) found on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe or 5th toe. Many people with bunions also experience changes in the shape of their foot, often becoming thicker. Bunions on the little toe are less common than bunions on the big toe however they still affect a significant number of adults with studies reporting up to 15% of adults suffer with a Tailor’s Bunion.

Causes and contributing factors of Tailor’s Bunions: As previously mentioned, genetics are a contributing factor of many conditions and the development of a Tailor’s Bunion is no exception. Studies have shown that people with a family history of Tailor’s Bunions are more likely to develop the condition themselves. Additionally, people with an abnormal foot structure are more likely to suffer from the condition. Those with flat feet, high arches or an abnormal alignment of the foot can all contribute to the development of a bunion on the 5th toe. In addition, shoes that are too tight or of narrow design can put excessive pressure on the toes causing pain and even leading to the growth of a bunionette. A study was conducted by Ajis et al. (2005) that discussed the effects that ill-fitting shoes have on the development of a bunionette and ways in which shoes can be changed to prevent further discomfort.

Individuals with a tailor’s bunion typically develop a bony protrusion on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. This bony growth or “bunionette” can cause significant amounts of pain especially during activities that involve long periods of walking or standing. Individuals with a bunionette can report feeling a lot of discomfort in their shoes. Common complaints reported by individuals with bunionettes are pain in the little toe, redness, swelling and or tenderness around the site of the bunion. A thickened piece of skin, known as a callus, can form on the bottom of the foot near the bunion due to consistent friction against the shoes (Shi et al., 2018). The pain caused by a tailor’s bunion can affect an individual’s way of life limiting activities and having difficulty finding appropriate footwear.

Tailor’s bunion, also known as a bunionette, significantly impacts daily life for many people. This condition causes pain and discomfort in the little toe joint. Because of that, it can be very difficult for individuals to walk properly. Simple tasks, like taking a stroll or running errands, may become challenging. Daily activities, such as walking to work or even standing for long periods, can lead to increased pain, making people avoid these activities altogether.

Shoes with raised toes can put pressure on the bunion, and others with tight toe boxes can squeeze the toe causing pain. For people who have tailor’s bunions buying shoes can be a problem. Many people with tailor’s bunions report difficulties in buying shoes that do not put pressure on the bunion, but are not so wide as to cause problems with the other toes. Specialized footwear, including orthothic shoes, are often needed to relieve discomfort caused by tailor’s bunions. However, some such shoes can be very expensive, and are not readily available in many retail outlets. A recent study described the difficulties experienced by twenty three participants, who were trying to purchase suitable shoes for their tailor’s bunions (Mazoteras-Pardo et al., 2021).

Tailor’s bunions may affect individuals who participate in physical activity. People with tailor’s bunions may avoid activities such as walking, running, cycling and dancing as these activities may cause discomfort to the affected toe. The lack of physical activity may lead to health problems such as obesity and may affect an individual’s overall health. Individuals with tailor’s bunions may limit their social activities. Such individuals may avoid participating in activities that require standing and walking. Research found that individuals with tailor’s bunions tend to avoid social activities (Barnes et al., 2024).

In addition to the effects that tailor’s bunion can have on a person’s life in terms of physical activity, the symptoms of the condition can also bring about a range of negative emotional effects. This is because people with symptoms of tailor’s bunion often suffer from chronic pain, and this can have a number of negative consequences for a person’s mental wellbeing and overall quality of life. For example, people with tailor’s bunion are often described as suffering with anxiety and symptoms of depression, and in some cases the pain caused by the condition can affect a person’s mood so much that it can affect the way that they feel about themselves and their life.

Managing Tailor’s Bunions When considering treatment options, there are several different approaches to manage the effects of a Tailor’s Bunion. From making slight changes to daily habits to more complex surgery, understanding all of the different treatments available can help to better manage the condition and alleviate pain.

First, conservative management strategies are often recommended. One of the most effective changes a patient can make is to switch to more appropriate footwear. Shoes that are too tight or narrow can worsen the bunion’s symptoms and cause discomfort. Opting for wider shoes, especially those with soft materials, can help reduce pressure on the affected area. This can be a significant step in managing pain and improving foot comfort. Additionally, using orthotic devices, such as shoe inserts, can help align the foot properly and distribute weight more evenly. These devices may alleviate discomfort while also preventing further progression of the bunion.

In some cases additional measures can be necessary to relieve the discomfort of a bunion. That is where physical therapy can enter the game, for example. Physical therapy can include strengthening of the toe as well as stretching of the foot to return it to a normal position. Applying an ice pack can also provide relief from pain, as can common pain relievers such as ibuprofen to reduce any inflammation.

In some cases the bunion may not ease with non-surgical methods and in some cases they may become very painful, in these cases an operation may be the only option to relieve the pain, there are many different surgical techniques that can be used to treat a bunion, some more invasive than others. Traditional bunion surgery is a more involved procedure and requires a longer recovery time as it often involves realigning the bones of the toe in order to correct the bunion, after the surgery it is likely to take several weeks for the foot to fully recover during which time it is likely that the patient will be unable to participate in some normal daily activities. Minimally invasive bunion surgery, on the other hand, is a relatively new technique and is generally less invasive than the traditional methods and results in less pain and a quicker recovery. The bones are still realigned in the minimally invasive surgery but the surgeon is able to do this through very small incisions, rather than one long incision as is the case with the traditional surgery. (Colò et al., 2026). Research has shown that there are many benefits of the minimally invasive bunion surgery including less bruising and swelling, less pain and a quicker return to normal activities for the patient. As with all surgeries, the success of the operation depends on many factors including the surgeon chosen, the technique used and the individual patient. It is generally recommended that a patient has discussed the options with their doctor before choosing a course of treatment, in order to determine which option will be most effective for them based on their specific situation.

Contrasting with traditional methods of treatment are the minimally invasive techniques that are currently becoming more popular, and indeed, favored by many surgeons and their patients alike. For example, percutaneous bunionectomies of the fifth metatarsal are being used more frequently as a means of treating bunionettes. Such procedures are generally small, involving minimal soft-tissue trauma, which in turn means that less pain is experienced by the patient post-operatively, and, more importantly, a more rapid return to full activities is possible (Colò et al., 2026). Indeed, many reports have supported the view that patients who have undergone minimally invasive surgical procedures are generally more satisfied with the results, and have returned to full activities sooner, than those who have had traditional, more invasive methods of bunionectomies (Roukis, 2005).

Surgical and non-surgical management for treatment of a tailor’s bunion are both known to be very effective. The choice between the two depends on individual circumstances. A tailor’s bunion can be painful, and the degree to which the bunion causes pain can vary greatly between individuals. Treatment also often depends on the patient’s general health. For people with severe bunions or who suffer from persistent pain, surgical management can offer the most relief. Patients with less severe symptoms can find relief with non-surgical management. Many individuals even combine elements of both surgical and non-surgical management when treating a bunion.

Combining of methods for treating of tailor’s bunion in order to get the best results for the patient is a rational approach. So, for example, conservative methods (change of shoes, using of orthotics) in combination with physical therapy and, if necessary, with surgical methods can be applied. Such an approach to treating of patient with tailor’s bunion is a holistic one and takes into account not only physical aspect of the condition but also a lifestyle of the patient (DiDomenico et al., 2013; Coll & Beech, 2023).

Citations:

Shi, G.G., Humayun, A., Whalen, J.L. and Kitaoka, H.B., 2018. Management of bunionette deformity. JAAOS-Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 26(19), pp.e396-e404. https://journals.lww.com/jaaos/fulltext/2018/10010/Management_of_Bunionette_Deformity.3.aspx

Ajis, A., Koti, M. and Maffulli, N., 2005. Tailor’s bunion: a review. The Journal of foot and ankle surgery, 44(3), pp.236-245. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1067251605001237

Barnes, D., Matijasich, P., Maxwell, A., Yatsonsky, D., Ballard, A., Ebraheim, N. and Elattar, O., 2024. From Etiology to intervention: a holistic review of bunion pathophysiology and care. Advances in Orthopedics, 2024(1), p.9910410. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1155/2024/9910410

Roukis, T.S., 2005. The tailor’s bunionette deformity: a field guide to surgical correction. Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, 22(2), pp.223-245. https://www.podiatric.theclinics.com/article/S0891-8422(04)00121-1/abstract

Colò, G., Fusini, F., Marcolli, D., Testa, A., Leigheb, M. and Surace, M.F., 2026. Tailor’s bunion (bunionette): current concepts and outcomes of open versus minimally invasive surgery. Musculoskeletal surgery, pp.1-11. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12306-025-00941-6

DiDomenico, L., Baze, E. and Gatalyak, N., 2013. Revisiting the tailor’s bunion and adductovarus deformity of the fifth digit. Clinics in podiatric medicine and surgery, 30(3), pp.397-422. https://www.podiatric.theclinics.com/article/S0891-8422(13)00042-6/abstract

Stieg, C., 2023. Bunions 101: A dancer’s guide to the common foot issue. Dance Magazine, 97(5), pp.56-58. https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA750530292&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=00116009&p=HRCA&sw=w

Easley, M.E. and Aydogan, U., 2004. Lesser toe deformities and bunionettes. In Orthopedic Surgery Essentials: Foot and Ankle (pp. 131-152). Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=5hm8F4jRX1EC&oi=fnd&pg=PA131&dq=Tailors+bunion+causes+treatment+and+prevention&ots=6alze4V6N7&sig=dkiEZGhUHxhpzMuo4uJy_o-9mr4

Coll, M.C. and Beech, M.I., 2023. Scarf osteotomy for reduction of tailors bunion deformities: Systematic review and meta-analysis. The Foot, 55, p.101982. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0958259223000238

Mazoteras-Pardo, V., Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo, R., Losa-Iglesias, M., Palomo-López, P., López-López, D., Calvo-Lobo, C., Romero-Morales, C. and Casado-Hernández, I., 2021. Degree of impact of tailor’s bunion on quality of life: a case–control study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(2), p.736. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/2/736