What is a tailor’s bunion?
A tailor’s bunion, also commonly known as a bunionette, is a bony enlargement, or bump, that forms on the foot. A tailor’s bunion is like a traditional bunion, which forms on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe, except it’s located at the base of the pinky toe on the outside of the foot.
What causes a tailor’s bunion?
Tailor's bunions develop when the bones in the front of the foot shift out of alignment. Contributing factors include:
- An inherited foot shape that places extra stress on the outer edge of the foot
- Shoes that compress the toes can push the little toe joint outward over time
- Wearing high heels shift body weight forward onto the toes, increasing pressure on the joint
- Loose ligaments can allow the bones to spread apart more easily
- Inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, can affect joint alignment
What are the symptoms of a Tailor's bunion?
Common signs of a tailor's bunion include:
- A visible bump on the outer edge of the foot near the little toe
- Pain, tenderness, or soreness at the site of the bump
- Redness or swelling around the affected joint
- Difficulty finding comfortable footwear
- A callus or thickened skin over the bump from repeated friction
Symptoms may be mild at first and worsen over time, especially with prolonged standing, walking, or wearing narrow shoes.
How are tailor’s bunions diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosing a tailor’s bunion can be done quite easily. Your doctor will do an examination and, upon visual inspection of the affected area, confirm the formation of a tailor’s bunion.
Many people find relief from a tailor's bunion without surgery. Non-surgical treatment is focused on reducing pain and preventing the condition from progressing. This may include:
- Wearing wider shoes to allow more space for the natural curvature of the foot in addition to shoes with a wider toe box to further alleviate pain and pressure on the bunionette
- Padding or orthotic inserts, which can help cushion the bunionette and provide further support to the foot
- Icing and resting to further reduce inflammation and pain
- Over-the-counter pain relief medications that work to reduce the pain and swelling associated with a tailor’s bunion.
In more severe cases where conservative treatments do not provide relief, surgery may be recommended to correct the bunionette. The procedure that surgeons typically use to correct a tailor’s bunion involves removing the bony bump, realigning the bones in the foot, and repairing the soft tissues around the joint.
Last Medically Reviewed on April 29, 2026.