Tailor’s Bunions are bony growths at the junction where the pinkie toe joins the foot. The medical term used to describe this region is the fifth metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The disorder gets its name from the fact that the problem used to be more prevalent among tailors due to their unique cross-legged sitting style. Physicians often call these growths bunionettes, as although they are smaller in size, they resemble the appearance of bunions, which occur at the base of the big toe.
Tailor’s Bunions can occur due to several reasons. The section below talks about the most common ones.
Causes of Tailor’s Bunions
You have high chances of developing a Tailor’s Bunion if you have any of the following:
The Habit of Wearing Tight or Narrow Shoes: This issue is common among individuals who frequently wear footwear that constricts their toes. Examples of such footwear include high heels and pointed flats. Wearing these shoe types regularly spoils the alignment of the bones forming your foot. The problem will aggravate over time, and you may see your fifth MTP bone shift outward, taking the shape of a bunion-like bump. The changes will be even faster if you already have a structural issue with your feet.
Faulty Foot Structure: A congenital structural defect in the feet is another common cause of Tailor’s Bunions. The problem is prevalent among people with an extra-wide forefoot, unstable joints, and an outward-aligned fifth MTP bone. If you have any of these problems or if you have a family history of Tailor’s Bunion, you must choose your footwear carefully, even if you haven’t developed any symptoms yet. Following a strict footcare routine is also mandatory.
Imbalance and/or Overpronation: Overpronation, a problem characterized by excessive inward rolling of the foot, leads to irregular weight distribution. The result is excess pressure on the foot’s outer part. This extra stress can be the primary cause of your Tailor’s Bunion and can also aggravate the symptoms of an existing Tailor’s Bunion.
You may face similar issues even if you have a foot imbalance that affects your walking pattern. Some deformities that can lead to foot imbalance include flat feet, arch structure of the knees, etc.
Other Triggers
Here are some other factors that can trigger the formation of a Tailor’s Bunion:
Old Injuries: The mechanics and anatomy of your feet may be damaged due to injuries you have incurred several months/years back. This damage can eventually result in a Tailor’s Bunion. Injury types that increase your chances of developing bunionettes include fractures on the fifth MTP bone, severe sprains around the region that resulted in joint instability, and soft tissue injuries.
You may also get bunionettes due to chronic trauma to your MTP joint. This is more common among dancers, athletes, and people who need to stand or walk for extended periods.
Arthritis: If you have a history of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, your chances of having Tailor’s Bunion will be higher than those who don’t have the problems. That’s because both conditions can cause deformity of the fifth toe of patients. Here, you must note that studies have shown that patients who leave Tailor’s Bunion untreated often develop arthritis in their MTP joint.
Tight Calf Muscles: Equinus, a condition resulting in excessive tightness in the calf muscles, can limit the motion of your ankles and make the affected foot wider and flatter. You may also see your foot getting twisted. All these changes amplify the pressure on the pinky toe and eventually result in Tailor’s Bunion. If you already have a bunionette, the problem will aggravate due to tight calf muscles.
Conclusion
Are you noticing changes in your MTP joint? Do you have a bump around your MTP joint? If yes, you must get yourself checked by an experienced podiatrist, a doctor with specializations required to diagnose, treat, and prevent problems of the lower legs, feet, and ankles. For people in the Bronx, the easiest way to find a qualified podiatrist is by contacting Magnet Health, NY. This multi-specialty clinic has a dedicated podiatric department. The department is represented by the most revered podiatrists in the United States.