Tailor’s Bunion (Bunionette): Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Answer: What is a tailor’s bunion?
A tailor’s bunion is a bony bump that develops where the pinkie toe meets the foot. It is sometimes called a bunionette because it resembles a smaller bunion at the base of the big toe. The bump may be painless or may cause pressure, pain, swelling, redness, corns, calluses or a crooked pinkie toe. [1]
What the research says
Bunions are common, especially in women. A meta-analysis of 45 studies found a pooled prevalence of hallux valgus (the big-toe bunion) of 19%, with 23.74% in females versus 11.43% in males. The study did not measure tailor’s bunions specifically, and the authors cautioned that the studies varied widely (Cai et al., J Foot Ankle Res, 2023). [2]
Shoe changes and orthotics relieve symptoms but are not proven to correct the deformity. A literature review on the related big-toe bunion found no consensus that shoe modification and foot orthoses correct the deformity. It described better footwear as having adequate length, a wide toe box, a cushioned sole and a lowered heel (Colò et al., Musculoskelet Surg, 2024). [3]
Minimally invasive surgery for a bunionette shows promising early results. In a retrospective case series of 111 patients (132 feet) followed for a mean of 24.1 months after percutaneous fifth-metatarsal osteotomy, pain scores fell from 7.6 to 0.6 and the Foot Function Index from 19.2 to 4.4. Of the 111 patients, 108 were satisfied and the complication rate was 1.5%. Most also had other procedures, and there was no comparison group (Al Ramlawi et al., Foot Ankle Int, 2024). [4]
A tailor’s bunion, also called a bunionette, is a bony bump at the base of your pinkie toe where it meets your foot. It forms on the outside edge of the fifth metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint. [1]
Many people manage a bunionette with nonsurgical care, such as changing shoes, using padding or taping the toes. Surgery may be considered when symptoms are severe or walking becomes very painful. [1]
If you notice a new bump near your pinkie toe, especially with pain, swelling, discoloration or difficulty walking, arrange an evaluation with a qualified healthcare provider or podiatrist.
What is a tailor’s bunion?
The pinkie toe meets the foot at the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint. A tailor’s bunion forms along the outside edge of this joint. You may be able to see and feel the bump. [1]
Healthcare providers may use the term bunionette because the growth is similar to a bunion, which forms at the base of the big toe. The name “tailor’s bunion” comes from the traditional cross-legged sitting position of tailors, which placed extra pressure on the outside edges of their feet. [1]
Term | Plain-language meaning |
Tailor’s bunion | A bony bump at the base of the pinkie toe |
Bunionette | Another name for a tailor’s bunion |
Fifth MTP joint | The joint where the pinkie toe meets the base of the foot |
Toe alignment | The position of the pinkie toe in relation to the other toes |
What are the symptoms of a tailor’s bunion?
The most obvious symptom is a bony growth at the base of the pinkie toe. Some people have no other symptoms, particularly when the bunionette is small or newly formed. [1]
When symptoms occur, they may include pain in the pinkie toe or outer foot, a feeling of pressure when wearing shoes, swelling, discoloration or redness, and corns or calluses on the pinkie toe. [1]
A bunionette can push the toes out of their natural alignment. The pinkie toe may become crooked or bend inward toward the other toes. [1]
Possible symptom | What it may look or feel like |
Bony bump | A noticeable growth at the base of the pinkie toe |
Pain | Discomfort in the pinkie toe or outside of the foot |
Pressure | More pressure when wearing shoes |
Swelling | Puffiness in or around the toe joint |
Redness or discoloration | A visible change in skin color near the bump |
Corns or calluses | Thickened skin on the pinkie toe |
Alignment change | A crooked or inward-bent pinkie toe |
What causes a tailor’s bunion?
Extra pressure on the pinkie toe or fifth MTP joint causes a tailor’s bunion. When pressure continues for a long time, usually over years, it can push the joint out of its natural alignment. The body compensates for the change, and a bunionette forms. [1]
Common sources of extra pressure include narrow or pointed shoes, the way you walk, inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, and standing for a long time or working on your feet. [1]
Possible cause or contributor | How it may add pressure |
Narrow or pointed shoes | Crowds the toes in a narrow toe box |
Foot mechanics | The way you walk may affect pressure on the joint |
Inflammatory conditions | Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can cause inflammation |
Prolonged standing | Working or standing on the feet can add repeated pressure |
Foot injuries | An injury may affect the foot and toe area |
Who is more likely to develop a bunionette?
Anyone can develop a tailor’s bunion. Groups more likely to have one include women, people whose biological parents have bunions or foot-mechanics issues, and people with a history of foot injuries, including athletes. [1]
More than 70% of people with bunions have a parent who has had them. This figure is family-history context and does not predict whether a particular person will develop a bunionette. [1]
What happens if a tailor’s bunion is untreated?
If a tailor’s bunion is not treated or corrected, the bony growth may continue to get worse over time. It may become larger and more likely to cause pain or swelling. [1]
A bunionette may also increase the risk of other toe and foot conditions, including bursitis, hammertoes and foot arthritis. [1]
How is a tailor’s bunion diagnosed?
A healthcare provider diagnoses a tailor’s bunion with a physical exam. They examine the toes and foot, ask about symptoms and may ask when you first noticed the bump and which activities make symptoms worse. [1]
A provider may order a foot X-ray. An X-ray can show the bony growth and how much it affects the natural alignment of the toe. [1]
Diagnostic step | What it may show |
Physical exam | The bump, toe position and condition of the surrounding foot |
Symptom history | When the bump appeared and which activities worsen symptoms |
Foot X-ray | The bony growth and its effect on toe alignment |
How is a tailor’s bunion treated?
Treatment aims to relieve extra pressure on the pinkie toe and prevent the bunionette from growing larger. Most people can manage symptoms with nonsurgical treatments. [1]
Footwear changes
Shoes with wide, deep toe boxes can take pressure off the toes. A stretching device may help widen shoes you already own. [1]
Bunion pads and taping
Over-the-counter bunion pads cushion the area around the tailor’s bunion and may relieve pressure. A provider may suggest medical tape to help hold the toes in a more natural position. [1]
Orthotics and toe spacers
Orthotics are shoe inserts that support the feet. You may need over-the-counter orthotics or custom-made inserts. A provider may also suggest placing a spacer between the toes. [1]
Pain relievers and cold packs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, can reduce pain and swelling. They may be taken by mouth or applied topically as creams or ointments. Do not take NSAIDs for more than 10 days in a row without talking to a qualified provider. [1]
Applying ice or a cold pack to the pinkie toe may help. Wrap a cold pack in a thin towel and do not place it directly on your skin. [1]
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are prescription medicines that reduce inflammation. A qualified provider determines whether they are appropriate. [1]
When is surgery used?
A provider may recommend bunion-correction surgery if other treatments do not relieve symptoms or walking is extremely painful. The provider or surgeon explains which type of surgery is needed and what to expect. [1]
Surgery is the only way to remove a tailor’s bunion completely. However, surgery is not always necessary to feel better. Most people manage symptoms without surgery, and surgery is usually suggested when severe symptoms affect movement or walking. [1]
What is the outlook for a tailor’s bunion?
Most people manage a tailor’s bunion without surgery and without a long-term impact on daily routines. A provider can help find a combination of treatments that relieves symptoms and keeps the feet and toes healthy and strong. [1]
If surgery is needed, you should be able to resume usual activities within a few months. A provider should explain the expected recovery for your specific procedure. [1]
Do not wait to seek care if you notice a new bump or growth on your foot, especially if it is painful, swollen or discolored. Earlier treatment may make severe symptoms or complications less likely.
Can tailor’s bunions be prevented?
Some causes cannot be changed, so prevention is not always possible. Wearing well-fitting shoes is the best way to help prevent tailor’s bunions and other foot and toe problems. [1]
When choosing shoes, avoid narrow or pointed tips, especially if they fit tightly around the toes. Try on several pairs even when you know your usual size because labeled sizes can differ among brands and styles. [1]
Sit, stand and walk in new shoes before buying them. Make sure no position or movement hurts, pinches or pushes on your toes. Trying shoes on at the end of the day may provide a more accurate fit because feet naturally swell slightly and are bigger later in the day. [1]
A provider or podiatrist can recommend shoe types or ask whether orthotics may help if you have structural foot issues such as flat feet or high arches.
Shoe-fitting step | What to check |
Choose room | Look for a wide, deep toe box |
Avoid crowding | Do not choose narrow or pointed tips that pinch the toes |
Test movement | Sit, stand and walk to check for pressure |
Check timing | Try shoes later in the day when feet may be slightly larger |
Ask for guidance | Ask whether orthotics are appropriate for your foot structure |
Can a tailor’s bunion shrink naturally?
No, a tailor’s bunion cannot shrink naturally, and surgical removal is the only way to get rid of it, though many people manage symptoms without surgery. The word “natural” does not have a set medical definition, and many people manage symptoms without surgery. The best treatment is the one that works for the person and helps restore a comfortable routine. [1]
When should you see a healthcare provider?
Visit a healthcare provider or podiatrist when you notice foot or toe pain, difficulty walking or moving, a noticeable bump near the base of the pinkie toe, or swelling around the toes. [1]
A new growth that is painful, swollen or discolored should be evaluated rather than self-diagnosed.
Useful questions include: Do I have a tailor’s bunion or another foot issue? Which treatments do I need? Will I need surgery? Should I avoid certain kinds of shoes?
Conclusion: Relieve pressure and get a new foot bump checked
A tailor’s bunion, or bunionette, is a bony bump at the outside edge of the joint where the pinkie toe meets the foot. It can be painless or can cause pressure, pain, swelling, redness, corns, calluses and changes in toe alignment. [1]
Long-term pressure, foot mechanics, inflammatory conditions, prolonged standing and foot injuries may contribute. Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam and may include an X-ray. [1]
Most people manage symptoms with footwear changes, pads, taping, orthotics, toe spacers, cold packs or other provider-guided treatment. Surgery is the only way to remove the bump completely and is generally reserved for severe symptoms that affect movement or walking. If you notice a painful or changing bump near your pinkie toe, contact a qualified healthcare provider or podiatrist. Rinnit.com is here to make complex health information easier to understand. [1]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bunionette?
A bunionette is another name for a tailor’s bunion, a bony bump at the base of the pinkie toe where it meets the foot.
What does a tailor’s bunion look like?
A tailor’s bunion usually appears as a bony growth on the outside edge of the joint at the base of the pinkie toe. It may also push the pinkie toe out of alignment.
What causes a tailor’s bunion?
Long-term extra pressure on the pinkie toe or fifth MTP joint can cause a bunionette. Possible contributors include narrow shoes, foot mechanics, inflammatory conditions, prolonged standing and foot injuries.
Can shoes make a bunionette worse?
Narrow or pointed shoes can crowd the toes and add pressure to the pinkie-toe joint. Shoes with a wide, deep toe box may reduce pressure.
Does a tailor’s bunion always hurt?
No. Some people have no symptoms beyond the visible bump, especially when it is small or newly formed. Others have pain, pressure, swelling, redness, corns, calluses or a crooked pinkie toe.
How is a tailor’s bunion diagnosed?
A provider examines the foot and asks about symptoms. A foot X-ray may show the bony growth and how it affects toe alignment.
What is the best treatment for a bunionette?
Treatment depends on symptoms and may include wider shoes, bunion pads, taping, orthotics, toe spacers, pain relievers, cold packs, corticosteroids or surgery. Most people manage symptoms without surgery.
Can a tailor’s bunion be removed without surgery?
No. Surgery is the only way to remove the bunionette completely. However, surgery is not always needed for symptom relief.
When is bunionette surgery considered?
A provider may suggest surgery when other treatments do not relieve symptoms or walking is extremely painful.
Can a tailor’s bunion be prevented?
Prevention is not always possible, but well-fitting shoes may help. Avoid narrow or pointed shoes, check the fit by sitting, standing and walking, and ask a provider whether orthotics could help.
When should I see a podiatrist?
Arrange an evaluation for pain, difficulty walking or moving, a noticeable bump near the pinkie toe or swelling around the toes. A painful, swollen or discolored new growth should be checked promptly.
Related Reading
Bunion Surgery (Bunionectomy): Types, Procedure, Recovery and Risks explains the four bunionectomy techniques, what happens on the day, the recovery timeline and risks.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Tailor's Bunion (Bunionette): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Updated May 3, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/tailors-bunion-bunionette
Cai Y, Song Y, He M, et al. Global prevalence and incidence of hallux valgus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Foot Ankle Res. 2023;16(1):63. PMID 37726760. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13047-023-00661-9
Colò G, Leigheb M, Surace MF, et al. The efficacy of shoes modification and orthotics in hallux valgus deformity: a comprehensive review of literature. Musculoskelet Surg. 2024;108(4):395-402. PMID 38922494. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12306-024-00839-9
Al Ramlawi A, Patel DP, Ashinsky BG, et al. Percutaneous Fifth Metatarsal Osteotomy for Bunionette Deformity Without Fixation or Strapping: A Retrospective Study. Foot Ankle Int. 2024;45(2):115-121. PMID 38158797. https://doi.org/10.1177/10711007231205289
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions about a medical condition or treatment.
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