Tailor's Bunion

While many of our patients know what a bunion is, there are many who have not yet heard of the tailor’s bunion. This is the same type of deformity but in another location on the foot. Dr. Mark Forman, DPM can help patients with both bunions and tailor’s bunions right here in our Scottsdale, AZ office. Keep reading to learn about the difference.

A regular bunion is a bump formed in the joint at the base of the big toe; a tailor’s bunion, also known as a bunionette, is formed in the joint at the base of the little toe. They earned their name, “tailor’s bunion”, by being a well-known foot problem of tailors, who often sit cross-legged on the ground. These days, the tailor’s bunions are usually caused by not wearing proper shoes, which is usually the same cause of regular bunions. Shoes that do not allow enough room for toes, high-heels, and pointy-toed shoes push in the little toe which can deform the base joint. A predisposition to tailor’s bunions can also be passed down through inheritance.

While the pain in a normal bunion is usually experienced in the bump that forms, with a tailor’s bunion, pain is usually felt inside of the joint. Toe spacers and foot padding worn inside shoes can help relieve pain and move the little toe back to its normal position. Icing the area at the end of the day will also help relieve pain and swelling. In addition, you will want to avoid high heels and shoes that leave too little room for all of the toes.

If you are noticing pain near your little toe’s joint, or especially a bump in the area, scheduling an appointment with us can help slow down or stop the progression of a tailor’s bunion. To schedule with Dr. Mark Forman, DPM of Scottsdale, AZ, call us at (480) 423-8400. More information about our practice can be found on our website, www.azfootpain.com.