Tailor's Bunion Treatment

Tailor's Bunion — Common Foot Problem

Our experienced podiatrist specializes in Tailor’s Bunion treatment at our cosmetic foot surgery centers in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Inglewood, Huntington Beach, and Inland Empire. Tailor’s bunion, also known as a bunionette, is when the fifth metatarsal bone has a bump at the base of the little toe. Or it could be when the fifth metatarsal has deviated from the straight position that it is supposed to be and has shifted towards the outside of the foot. This could cause the foot to be wider. And sometimes it causes the toe to have a callus created on the outside of the foot. Metatarsals are the five long bones of the foot. Tailor’s bunions are not as common as bunions, but their causes and symptoms are similar. Bunions are found on the inside of the foot while Tailor’s bunions, otherwise known as bunionettes, are found on the outside of the foot. There are different levels of this deformity depending on how deviated the bone is and how irritated the bone is. We have provided you with a few pictures of this condition and have labeled them accordingly. Tailor’s bunion or bunionette could be mild, moderate or severe or somewhere in between.

Causes of Tailor's Bunion

The cause of Tailor’s bunion is usually an inherited mechanical structure of the foot that is defective. Over time, there are changes in the foot’s framework leading to the bump. The fifth metatarsal begins to stick out while the little toe moves in. The move creates a protrusion on the outside of the foot. This protrusion is the source of much irritation when a shoe pushes against it. The cause could also be an outgrowth of bone on the side of the fifth metatarsal head. Many people have pain with this condition, some have non-painful thick skin on the outside of the foot, while many people go on their entire life without any problems with this condition.

Symptoms

There are certain symptoms that characterize Tailor’s Bunion. These symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain at the site of the bump. When shoes are worn that are too narrow around the toe, rubbing and pressure occur. This produces inflammation and irritates the soft tissue underneath the skin, causing the patient’s foot to feel aggravated.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be easy for Tailor’s Bunion, because the bump is usually visually apparent. X-rays may still be ordered to help Dr. Ravaei establish the cause and extent of the misshapenness. After the x-ray is presented Dr. Ravaei will need to examine the tailor’s bunion in one of his Los Angeles offices and design an ideal remedy.

Non-Surgical Treatments

There are a number of treatments for the bunionette that do not require surgery. They are:

• Change of shoes. Wear shoes with a wide toe box and avoid shoes that are narrow at the toe area and high heels
• Icing. Wrap an ice pack in a thin towel and apply it to the bump to reduce inflammation and pain
• Padding. Place bunionette pads over the area to reduce pain
• Orthotic devices. Dr. Ravaei may be able to provide you with these.
• Injection therapy. The inflamed tissue may be injected with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Medication. Dr. Ravaei may prescribe medication that will alleviate the pain and inflammation.

Tailor's Bunion Surgery

If the pain continues after trying the various non-surgical methods, Dr. Ravaei may suggest surgery. Many factors including the x-ray, the patient’s age, and the patient’s level of physical activity along with Dr. Ravaei’s expert opinion and experience will determine the best approach. Many patients are interested in surgical treatment of this condition. Dr. Ravaei usually customizes a surgical treatment based on the age, activity and the need of the patient. This procedure may include but not be limited to releasing a tendon, removing the bump and/or shifting the bone into the correct position. Most patients who have Tailor's bunion or bunionette surgery performed by Dr. Ravaei are able to walk the same day. It might take some time for these individuals to return to their activity based on age, health, level of activity and many other factors.