Tailor’s Bunion(Bunionette)
Tailor’s Bunion (Bunionette)
What Is a Tailor’s Bunion?
A Tailor’s Bunion, also known as a bunionette, is a painful bony bump that forms on the outside of the foot near the base of the fifth toe (little toe). It develops when the fifth metatarsal bone — the long bone behind the little toe — begins to shift outward, causing its head to enlarge and protrude against the side of the shoe.
This condition is often progressive, meaning it worsens over time if left untreated. Many patients experience increased pain, redness, swelling, and difficulty finding comfortable footwear, especially with narrow or snug-fitting shoes.
At SoCal Foot and Ankle Doctors, with offices in Santa Monica and the Cedars-Sinai Medical Towers, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of Tailor’s bunions, offering conservative and advanced surgical options to relieve pain and restore foot function.
What Causes a Tailor’s Bunion?
Several factors can contribute to the development of a Tailor’s bunion, including:
- Foot structure or inherited biomechanics
- Wearing tight or narrow shoes that compress the forefoot
- Flat feet or abnormal gait patterns
- Joint instability or hypermobility
- Repetitive pressure or irritation along the outer edge of the foot
Over time, pressure on the fifth metatarsal head can cause the surrounding soft tissue to become inflamed and painful, especially during walking or physical activity.
Symptoms of a Tailor’s Bunion
- Pain or burning on the outer side of the foot
- Swelling and redness near the base of the fifth toe
- Callus formation over the bunionette
- Worsening pain when wearing shoes
- Difficulty walking or standing for extended periods
Diagnosis and Tailor’s Bunion Treatment in Santa Monica & Cedars-Sinai
At SoCal Foot and Ankle Doctors, our expert podiatrists will evaluate your foot through:
- Detailed physical examination
- Gait analysis
- Digital X-rays to assess joint alignment and bunion severity
We tailor your treatment plan based on the stage of deformity and your activity level.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options:
- Custom-molded orthotics to correct biomechanical issues
- Padding and shoe modifications to relieve pressure
- Anti-inflammatory medications or topical pain relief
- Stretching and physical therapy
- Corticosteroid injections (in select cases)
Surgical Treatment (When Conservative Care Fails)
For moderate to severe bunionettes that do not respond to conservative care, surgical correction may be recommended. Outpatient procedures include:
- Bunionette resection
- Osteotomy (bone realignment)
- Soft tissue balancing
Our foot and ankle surgeons use minimally invasive techniques when appropriate, allowing for quicker recovery and better cosmetic outcomes.
When to See a Podiatrist
If you’re experiencing foot pain, visible bony bumps, or difficulty wearing shoes, don’t wait until the condition worsens. Schedule an appointment with SoCal Foot and Ankle Doctors, trusted by patients throughout Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, and those seeking expert care near Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
We’ll help you walk comfortably again — without the pain of a Tailor’s bunion.
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Our Board Certified Podiatrists
Socal Foot and Ankle doctors are committed to delivering the most exceptional treatments.
Board Certified Foot & Ankle Specialist
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Location: Santa Monica
Mon – Thur: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Board Certified Foot & Ankle Specialist
Office Time
Location: Santa Monica
Mon – Thur: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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