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28 October 2020
Tailor's bunion
Many people suffer from a tailor’s bunion: a bump on the outside of the foot, just behind the little toe. This bump often causes pain and discomfort in the foot. People of all ages can experience it, and the severity of the pain can have different causes. In this blog, we will tell you everything about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of a tailor’s bunion. Did you know that wearing proper footwear can make a big difference for your feet?
What is a tailor's bunion?
A tailor’s bunion, shoe bump, or bunionette – whichever term you prefer, it refers to the same foot condition: a protrusion on the outside of the foot, on the side of the little toe. It feels like a piece of bone sticking out from the side of the foot. Often, the bursa at this spot is inflamed, causing redness and swelling. A tailor’s bunion is essentially the ‘opposite’ of a bunion (or hallux valgus). A hallux valgus bump is located on the inside of the foot, while a tailor’s bunion is on the outside. Both foot conditions can cause a lot of pain, pressure, or friction, especially when wearing ill-fitting shoes. So, it’s time to find some good shoes!
Causes of a tailor's bunion
The causes of a tailor’s bunion can vary from person to person. However, one common factor is the structure of the foot itself. If you have a hereditary tendency for weak ligaments or an abnormal foot structure, unfortunately, you are more likely to develop a tailor’s bunion. Other causes include the following:
1 | Footwear
If you’ve looked at our website before, you’ll have seen this mentioned often. Bad footwear is very bad for your feet. Wearing shoes that are too tight around the forefoot and toes? That’s a definite no-go for a tailor’s bunion (and a hallux valgus, for that matter!). Tight shoes can promote the development of a shoe bump by pushing the feet into an unnatural shape. Proper footwear is essential for people with a bunion or for those wanting to prevent one. But let’s be honest, good shoes are important for everyone.
2 | Overpronation (due to fallen arches)
When the foot rolls too far inward while walking, this is called overpronation. It is common in people with fallen arches. If left unaddressed, it can lead to other annoying foot issues, such as a tailor’s bunion. By rotating inward, too much pressure is placed on the outside of the foot, causing a tailor’s bunion to form.
3 | Injury
Injuries to the foot, such as a sprain or fracture, can lead to changes in foot structure. This, in turn, can result in the development of a tailor’s bunion.
4 | Sitting cross-legged
This is not a very common cause but can still impact your feet – sitting cross-legged. In this position, the outer sides of your feet rest on the ground, putting pressure on the side of the little toe, which can eventually contribute to the formation of a tailor’s bunion. No wonder it’s also called a tailor’s bunion!
Symptoms of a tailor's bunion
Various symptoms are associated with a tailor’s bunion. Often, such a bump is visible on the outside of the foot. In addition, there are other symptoms that can be bothersome:
- Pain and tenderness: Especially when pressure is applied to the bump or when wearing shoes that rub against the tailor’s bunion, significant pain or tenderness can occur. People with a tailor’s bunion often prefer to walk barefoot or wear slippers. However, with proper footwear, they can also comfortably wear closed shoes!
- Redness and swelling: Inflammation of the bursa around the bump can lead to redness, swelling, and warmth in the area. These symptoms are easily noticeable to the naked eye.
- Difficulty finding shoes: Finding comfortable shoes can be a challenge due to the painful bump on the outside of the foot. Shoes often feel too tight around the bump and give the sensation of pinching.
- Possible skin problems: Prolonged friction with shoes can cause calluses or corns to develop on the bump.
Treatments for tailor's bunions
Treatment for a tailor’s bunion can vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and their impact on the individual’s daily life. From different footwear to surgery, all are possible options. We’ll briefly discuss the treatments below.
1 | Proper footwear
What are good shoes for a tailor’s bunion? Good shoes have enough space around the toes. Wearing shoes with a wider toe box can reduce pressure on the tailor’s bunion and alleviate symptoms. Check out our shoes with more room in the toe box.
2 | Insoles
Specially designed insoles or orthotics can help position the foot in a more neutral position. With better support, pressure will be distributed more evenly across the foot. Less pressure on the outer side of the foot helps slow the development of a tailor’s bunion.
3 | Physiotherapy
Specific exercises and therapies can help strengthen the muscles around the foot and ankle. This can contribute to better support and stability.
4 | Surgery
In severe cases, when the above solutions do not work and the pain is intense, surgery may be considered. The tailor’s bunion is then surgically corrected. During the procedure, the protruding bone is removed, and the foot structure is improved.
Prevention
Unfortunately, you can’t always prevent a tailor’s bunion. Some people are genetically predisposed to developing one. However, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk:
- Choose the right shoes: Wear shoes with enough space for your toes. Avoid shoes that squeeze your toes into a narrow toe box!
- Insoles: Use insoles or orthotic inserts to support the arch of the foot and reduce excessive pressure. Tip: trendy shoes for insoles.
- Foot habits: Regular foot hygiene is important for the overall health of your feet.
Good shoes for a tailor's bunion: shoe tips
As mentioned, good shoes are extremely important for your feet, especially if you have a shoe bump on the outside of your foot. A wide toe box, where your toes have enough space, is key. This way, the bump doesn’t rub against the side of your shoes. Our Kansas Lady XW is the perfect shoe for a tailor’s bunion. This shoe is aptly nicknamed the ‘six-toe shoe’. The Tarda XW-WR is also great for feet with a tailor’s bunion. This extra-wide model provides plenty of room for your toes.
Stretching at the cobbler’s
Do you need a little extra space around the bump? You can have your shoes stretched at the cobbler’s. Cobblers have special tools to stretch shoes in specific areas. By creating extra space in the area of the tailor’s bunion, your feet will fit more comfortably in your shoes. This stretching works best with leather shoes, as leather is a soft, malleable material that stretches easily.
Shoes with removable insoles for orthotics
Another trick for shoes for a tailor’s bunion? Insoles. Specially made orthotics can help distribute pressure evenly across the foot. The extra pressure on the outer side of the foot will be relieved, slowing the development of the tailor’s bunion. When using insoles, it’s particularly useful to choose shoes with a removable insole. Nearly all of Wolky’s shoes have a removable insole. Ideal for your custom orthotics. And the best part? Many of our sandals also have a removable insole! Whether you choose open or closed shoes, with Wolky shoes with removable insoles, you’ll be well-prepared for your tailor’s bunion.
Need personal advice? Don't hesitate to contact out customer service team!
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