Tailor’s Bunion (bump on the toe)

A Tailor’s Bun is a lump or extra piece of bone on the side of the foot, near the little toe. It may be caused by excess bone growth, but the thickening may also result from an abnormal position of the metatarsal bone of the little toe. A Tailor’s Bunion is more common in women than in men, probably because women often wear narrower shoes or high heels.

Have you noticed a lump on your little toe? See a podiatrist as soon as possible, even if you have no symptoms. Symptoms may include:

• A small protrusion or piece of bone on the side of the foot, near the little toe.
• The protruding part feels hard or soft to the touch and may be painful.
• A stabbing pain on the outside of the foot, near the little toe joint.
• The lump may become red, warm and swollen.
• Pain occurs mainly when walking and when wearing shoes.

• Wearing shoes that are too narrow and tight. The pressure exerted by the shoes on the foot leads to excessive bone growth and a misalignment of the little toe.
• Many sit cross-legged.

Wearing the right shoes plays a major role in the treatment of a Tailor’s Bunion. Once the lump or bony protrusion has formed, it will not go away. It is therefore important to see a podiatrist as soon as you notice the lump.

The podiatrist can relieve pressure on the lump using a felt dressing and can then apply a protective orthosis making and/or shoe modifications. In addition, it is important to address the cause of the bump or extra piece of bone. We often do this by fitting a corrective and/or compensatory podiatric insoles and providing advice on footwear.

• Wear shoes with plenty of room, e.g. open-toed or wider shoes;
• Avoid stitches and seams that press directly on the sore spot;
• Wear seamless socks.