A Bunionette (also known as a tailor’s bunion) is a painful bony prominence, or bump, on the outside of the little (pinky) toe. Over time, the Bunionette may worsen as the little toe moves inward and the fifth metatarsal (the bone connected to it) moves outward. They may sometimes be confused with a bunion or described as an outside bunion.

What is a Bunionette?

A Bunionette, also known as a Tailor’s bunion, occurs when the head of the 5th metatarsal (knuckle of little toe) becomes prominent and painful.

What are the symptoms of a Bunionette?

A patient may notice that their foot appears slightly wider. This is due to the swelling around the lateral aspect of the foot. Redness and pain may then follow around the Bunionette. If left untreated then callosities or ulcers can form over the prominence.

How are Bunionettes diagnosed?

With clinical examination, it is quite straightforward to diagnose the condition. X-rays will reveal the severity of the bony abnormality and the type of Bunionette present.

How are Bunionettes treated?

Footwear adaptation, strapping and lifestyle changes can all help improve symptoms. Surgery is aimed at reducing the width of the foot by either debriding the bulkiness of the metatarsal head or performing an osteotomy to realign the joint.

If you or someone you know has suffered an injury or is experiencing pain across their lower limbs or difficulty with mobility and would like a consultant-led review, please contact us. Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of knee-related injuries with excellent patient outcomes.

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Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of foot & ankle -related injuries with excellent patient outcomes.

FOOT & ANKLE CONDITIONS

If you would like to learn about other foot & ankle conditions click the button below to find out more

FOOT & ANKLE TREATMENTS

If you would like to learn about other foot & ankle treatments click the button below to find out more

our specialist FOOT & ANKLE consultants

Foot & ankle care at Grosvenor Orthopaedics is lead by Mr Tim Sinnett. A graduate of Cambridge and Imperial College medical schools and leading academic and trauma consultant for Chelsea and Westminster NHS trust. He is further supported by the orthopaedic team here including other consultant surgeons, nurses and care staff.

Our team are well placed to manage and treat a diverse range of foot and ankle concerns utilising cutting edge diagnostic technology and treatment approaches, both surgical and conservative. Below is an overview of some of the conditions we treat but for a more thorough understanding please contact our team here

MR TIM SINNETT

Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Specialist in Foot and Ankle Surgery

MBBS (AICSM), MA (Cantab), FRCS (Tr & Orth)
Tim is a Trauma and Orthopaedic Consultant at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, King Edward VIIs Hospital, and the Lister Hospital, Chelsea. His high volume Adult Foot and Ankle practice is made up of all aspects of ankle, hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot pathology. He is an avid believer in patient empowerment and autonomy, especially when decisions regarding surgery are required. Ensuring a high-quality patient journey from the first assessment to full rehabilitation is at the heart of his practice.

Mr Mike Williamson

Consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, specialist in foot and ankle surgery and complex trauma surgery

MSci, MPhil, MB, BChir, MRCS, FRCS (Tr+Orth)
Mr Mike Williamson is a consultant foot and ankle and major trauma surgeon practising at St George’s Hospital Major Trauma Centre. His adult foot and ankle practice is made up of all aspects of ankle, hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot pathology and trauma. His practice is firmly based around his patients, ensuring they have up to date evidenced based information, a trusting and supportive relationship with their surgeon, from initial presentation to rehabilitation, patient autonomy, and the right environment, to ensure treatment and management plans are tailored to the patient’s needs and expectations.

What some of our patients say

Mrs MA

Thank you for taking care of me. You went above and beyond and I am so touched and grateful. My knee feels fine now