| |
|
|
|
|
What is it?
A tailor's bunion is an
enlargement or protruding segment of bone with possible soft tissue
involvement on the outer aspect of the foot. It is usually considered to be
a progressive condition meaning that without treatment, it will usually
worsen with time. This type of bunion or bunionette as it is sometimes
referred to, can become painful due to the unavoidable shoe pressure in that
area. Historically, these problems were found frequently in tailors and it
was believed that the condition resulted from their crossed leg sitting
position while working.
What causes it?
There are four basic
causes of tailor's bunions, which are generally agreed upon by most
authorities. The first is that the involved metatarsal shaft or long bone on
the outer aspect of the foot is abnormally curved. This excessive bending of
the bone creates a ripe situation for the formation of a tailor's bunion. A
second cause of a tailor's bunion is that of faulty mechanics during
walking. In short, it is possible that biomechanical dysfunction during
one's gait can cause problems of this type. Trauma or injury to the outer
aspect of the foot can also precipitate the onset of a tailor's bunion. A
fourth category of conditions that can cause the formation of a tailor's
bunion is that of the arthridities. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis,
and gout can all playa causative role in a tailor's bunion deformity.
How do you treat it?
The effective treatment
for a painful tailors bunion includes shoe modifications, protective foot
padding, injection therapy, orthotics and surgery. Obviously, the orthotics
or supportive devices are used to alter the mechanics or functioning of the
foot while surgery is used to correct or reduce the existing deformity. A
tailor's bunion can be an annoying problem, which can worsen with continued
shoe pressure and improper foot function. With early identification and
proper treatment these problems can usually be readily managed.
|
