Tailor's bunion
Bunionette corrector: help for a tailor's bunion on the little toe
Last updated · Written by the BunionEase UK team
Quick answer
A bunionette, or tailor's bunion, is a bony bump on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. It's eased in the same ways as a big-toe bunion: roomy shoes, pads to stop rubbing and little-toe spacers. BunionEase is designed for the big toe, so it isn't the right choice for a bunionette on its own.
What is a bunionette?
A bunionette is a smaller cousin of the common bunion. Instead of the big toe leaning inwards, the little toe leans towards the fourth toe and a lump forms on the outer edge of the foot, just behind the little toe.
It's often called a tailor's bunion, because tailors once sat cross-legged all day with the outside of their feet pressed against the floor.
Bunionette vs bunion: what's the difference?
| Bunion (hallux valgus) | Bunionette (tailor's bunion) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Inside of foot, base of big toe | Outside of foot, base of little toe |
| Toe drift | Big toe leans towards other toes | Little toe leans towards other toes |
| Typical rubbing | Inside edge of the shoe | Outside edge of the shoe |
| Best-suited corrector | Big-toe splint or spacer | Little-toe spacer or pad |
Common signs of a tailor's bunion
- A bump on the outer side of the foot near the little toe
- Redness, swelling or hard skin over the bump
- Pain when wearing narrow or pointed shoes
- The little toe curling or leaning inwards
What helps a bunionette at home?
The self-help steps are much the same as the NHS suggests for bunions:
- Wide, deep shoes with a soft upper and low heel
- Gel pads or sleeves over the bump to stop rubbing
- Little-toe spacers to ease pressure between the toes
- An ice pack wrapped in a towel for up to 5 minutes at a time
- Over-the-counter painkillers if needed
- Seeing a podiatrist for insoles or advice
Bunionette correctors: what's available
As with big-toe bunions, none of these remove the bump. Only surgery does that.
| Type | What it does | Wear in shoes? |
|---|---|---|
| Little-toe gel spacer | Separates the fourth and fifth toes | Yes |
| Bunionette gel sleeve | Cushions the bump | Yes |
| Little-toe splint | Holds the little toe straighter | Usually at rest |
When to see a GP or podiatrist
See your GP if pain hasn't improved after a few weeks of self-help, if it stops you doing everyday things, if the bump is getting bigger, or if you have diabetes.
BunionEase is a comfort and support device. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition. See your GP or a podiatrist if pain is severe or getting worse. Do not use the EMS function if you have a pacemaker or other implanted device, are pregnant, have epilepsy, or have broken skin on the foot.
Is BunionEase right for a bunionette?
We'd rather be honest: BunionEase is designed for the big toe joint, so it won't target a bunionette. If you only have a tailor's bunion, a little-toe spacer or sleeve is a better fit.
Many people have both a bunion and a bunionette. If your big toe is also drifting, BunionEase can support that side while a pad looks after the little toe. Choose the Left or Right Single Pack, or the Both Feet Duo Pack with free tracked UK delivery.
Common questions
What causes a tailor's bunion?
Foot shape, inherited factors and tight, narrow shoes can all play a part. It's similar to the causes of a big-toe bunion.
Can a bunionette go away on its own?
No. The bony change stays, but symptoms can often be eased with roomier shoes and pads.
Do bunionette correctors work?
They can ease rubbing and pressure, but they don't remove the bump.
Can I have a bunion and a bunionette?
Yes, some people have both on the same foot.
Does BunionEase work for a tailor's bunion?
No. It's designed for the big toe. Use a little-toe spacer or pad for a bunionette.
Is surgery an option for bunionettes?
Yes, if pain is severe and other treatments haven't helped. A GP can refer you.