Learn about
Tailor’s Bunion
(Bunionette)
What is a Tailor’s Bunion (Bunionette)?
A Tailor’s Bunion, also known as a Bunionette, is a bony prominence on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. This condition is similar to a bunion, which occurs on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe
| What are the symptoms?
A Tailor’s Bunion manifests as pain on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe, which intensifies with prolonged walking or wearing tight shoes. The area often swells and becomes red, irritated, and inflamed due to friction. A noticeable bump or protrusion can develop, which is tender to touch and may form calluses from repeated pressure.
Common signs and symptoms of a Tailor’s Bunion (Bunionette)
Limited mobility of
the little toe.
Continual or occasional discomfort when wearing shoes.
Inflammation, redness,
and tenderness near
the joint of the little toe.
A protruding bump
near the base of the
little toe.
Corns or calluses
caused by repeated
friction of the toes.
Am I a candidate?
Fill in the symptom questionnaire to find out
| How can it be treated?
The best way to treat a tailor’s bunion is to take the pressure off of the bone, either with wider shoes, sandals or over the counter pads.
Nonsurgical treatments
- Spacious, comfortable footwear to alleviate pressure on your toes
- Bunion pads, cushions or bracing to cushion to help discomfort
- Pain-relief medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium
- Padded shoe inserts to evenly distribute pressure and prevent worsening symptoms
- Apply Ice to reduce inflammation and soreness, but consult your doctor if you have decreased sensation or circulation in your feet before doing so
MIS Tailor’s Bunion (Bunionette) surgery
The goal of MIS tailor’s bunion surgery is to cut and move the bone to a position of less pressure. This is done with stab incisions and most of the time with and screws of pins. Patients can get back to shoes in as earlier as two weeks.
1. Picture of the open tailor’s (bunionette) surgery
2. Picture of the bur treating a Tailor’s (bunionette) bunion
MIS Tailor’s Bunion (Bunionette) surgery results
Before
After
| Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tailor’s bunion (bunionette)?
A tailor’s bunion (bunionette) is a prominent bone on the outside of your foot by the fifth toe that causes pain from shoe pressure. It looks red and inflamed when it hurts. The structure is similar to a normal bunion, it is just smaller and on the outside of the foot.
Is tailor’s bunion (bunionette) surgery the same as regular bunion surgery?
The tailor’s bunion (bunionette) is a completely different surgery than the MIS Bunion surgery for the big toe. The surgery doesn’t use pins or screws, the bone cut heals in the place it is put in the day of surgery. The Tailor’s bunion surgery has much less pain and there is only one small stab incision. Unfortunately, the surgery takes around three months for the swelling to go completely down.
What is my recovery like for MIS tailor’s bunion (bunionette) surgery?
For the first two weeks you are walking in a stiff sole post op shoe. After the stitches are removed, you are encouraged to go into any shoe that you feel is comfortable. Sometimes the fifth toe will be splinted in the office and we will show you how to do it at home
How soon after MIS tailors bunion (bunionette) surgery will I be able to wear shoes?
After two weeks the post op shoe given to you on the day of surgery will only need to be worn if you chose. Most patients will advance to sandals, crocks or tennis shoe depending on the weather. You will be able to wear most if not all your shoes after three months.