Walking around with pain on the side of your big toe can really cause you a lot of strife. Not only does the pain affect regular activities, it also can change the way your shoes feel on your feet. When you sit down and take a moment to take off your shoes you might notice that the pain is coming from a small bulge on the side of your toe. What is it? Where did it come from? It could be a tailor’s bunion and it forms when there is constant friction and pressure that is rubbing up against your little toe.
A tailor’s bunion is also known as a bunionette. It is a bony lump that grows on the side of the little toe. This bunion is similar to that of a regular bunion, the difference is it is just in a different location. In general, tailor’s bunions are not as common as regular bunions, but they aren’t outside the realm of normal either.
Symptoms
- Swelling
- Growth on side of the small toe
- Redness
- Pain
- Discomfort wearing footwear
Causes
Just like a regular bunion, a tailor’s bunion is most often caused due to improperly-fitting footwear. Footwear that is narrow or tight, especially in the shoe box, can cause pressure and friction which leads to a bunion. Another common reason is your foot is formed in a way where the structure is compromised and causes it naturally grow a bunion due to improper structure.
Other causes can include:
- Loose ligaments
- Inverted foot
- Tight calf muscles
- Metatarsal bone that is lower than the others
Treating the Tailor’s Bunion
A tailor’s bunion should be treated with the help of a podiatrist. A podiatrist may prescribe medication to help to reduce pain and swelling in the foot. A podiatrist may also recommend the use of a custom-made orthotic device. This device would fit seamlessly into your shoe and allow the foot to be supported, cushioned and corrected so that the bunion does not worsen and cause any more pain. As a last resort, a podiatrist may recommend surgery to remove the bunion.
If you have any type of bunion and are suffering from foot pain, call Syracuse Podiatry located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Payel Ghosh and their staff will help you deal with the pain a tailor’s bunion can cause. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.