| Tailor's bunion | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Bunionette or Digitus quintus varus |
 | |
| Radiograph showing a tailor's bunion | |
| Specialty | Podiatry |
Tailor's bunion, also known as digitus quintus varus or bunionette, is a condition caused as a result of inflammation of the fifth metatarsal bone at the base of the little toe.[1]
It is usually characterized by inflammation, pain and redness of the little toe.
Often a tailor's bunion is caused by a faulty mechanical structure of the foot. The fifth metatarsal bone starts to protrude outward, while the little toe moves inward. This change in alignment creates an enlargement on the outside of the foot.
It is mostly similar to a bunion (the same type of ailment affecting the big toe). It is called Tailor's bunion because in past centuries, tailors sat cross-legged, and this was thought to cause this protrusion on the outside aspect of the foot.
Patients will present with a history of pain of the lateral bunion, plantar callous, and pain that increases with constrictive shoe wear. Studies have shown that tight shoe wear can cause both bunions as well as Tailor's bunions.[2]
- ^ "Tailor's Bunion". footphysicians.com. Archived from the original on December 26, 2011. Retrieved December 31, 2009.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
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