Tailor's Bunion
1. [noun] a tailor’s bunion or bunionette , is a bony lump that is dominant on the lateral side of the 5th toe. The fifth metatarsal bone enlarges or shifts outward (lateral) and the digit moves inward (medial). A tailor’s bunion is similar to a hallux valgus (bunion) except it is in a different location involving the 5th digit rather than the hallux. Symptoms: It can be painful, especially if it rubs against your shoe. Swollen, red bump on lateral side of the 5 th toe. It may be on one or both feet. Causes: Poor footwear – narrow, high heels Inherited structural foot proble m s (ie. abnormal position or size of metatarsal head, which causes the bone to move out of place). Supination – foot leans to outside (laterally) Loose ligaments in the foot Lower than normal 5 th metatarsal bone Tight calf muscles Interesting FACT: Tailor’s bunion was named hundreds of years ago, when tailors would sit cross-legged with the outside edges (lateral) of their feet pressed against the ground. The tailor’s 5 th toe rubbed against the ground and a bump would form
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a tailor’s bunion differ from a typical bunion affecting the big toe?
A tailor’s bunion occurs on the lateral side of the 5th toe, where the fifth metatarsal bone shifts outward and the digit moves inward. This contrasts with hallux valgus, commonly seen on the medial side near the big toe.
How did historical sitting habits influence the term used for a tailor’s bunion?
Historically, tailors often sat cross-legged, causing the lateral edge of the foot, near the fifth toe, to rub against the ground. This regular friction contributed to the development of a bump, leading to its descriptive name.