What is it?
This is just like a Bunion except it occurs on the baby toe. It presents as a bump over the joint of the little toe which can become very painful especially when wearing closed footwear.
What Causes it?
The cause is often due to a weakness in the structures that stabilize the little toe. The tip of the little toe starts to move inward with the base moves outward. This change in dynamics leads to a bump on the outside of the foot that becomes irritated whenever a shoe presses against it
Regardless of the cause, the symptoms of a tailor’s bunion are usually aggravated by wearing shoes that are too narrow in the toe, producing constant rubbing and pressure.
What treatments are available?
Treatment consists of avoiding footwear that rubs against the bony prominence. Well cushioned padding is very useful in protecting the area. Over the counter splints may be used to straighten the toe if the deformity is flexible. However, many times this not very successful as often the bump is due to a bony spur on the base of the little toe which cannot be corrected unless it is excised. In cases where conservative measures fail please consult with an orthopaedic surgeon to see if surgery may be of benefit to you.