Bunions & Tailor’s Bunions: What Causes Them & How to Treat Them

A bunion is the bony bump that forms on the big toe side, while a tailor’s bunion (also called a bunionette) develops on the pinky toe side of the foot. Though they appear in different places, both conditions share a common cause: Tarsal joint Falling w/ Each Step in Narrow Toe Box Shoes.

How Bunions & Tailor’s Bunions Develop

W/ each step, as the Tarsal joint — that forms the arch — falls, the arch elongates & widens. Then in narrow-toe-box shoes, both sides of the ball of the foot (widest part of the foot) rub against the shoe wall w/ each step, creating friction at both sides of the ball of the foot; usually, the big toe side (where the arch is high) gets more friction as it elongates more than the pinky toe side (where the arch is low). The reason why bunion is more prevalent than Tailor’s bunion.

Over time, this leads to joint misalignment at the side of the big or small toe, which over-stretches the ligaments of the foot, and eventually causes Inflammation, swelling, & pain.

If the shoes are tight, there is no room for the elongated foot to go, then the joint at the big toe side can bend out & widens the ball of the foot area while developing a bunion, & this can even deform the shoe shape.

Treatment: First Eliminate the Root Cause

At Feet Balance Orthotics, we Eliminate the Root Cause first; this instantly prevents further deformity & relieves pain.  

1. Feet Balance Orthotics Align the Tarsal Joint, so keep the Arch from Falling; As a result, No rubbing or friction against the shoes walls. Then the Bunion progression stops, & the bunion size can be reduced overtime. 

2. Home Care Recommendations

  • If the ball of the foot has widened, gently binding it with an elastic bandage helps the over-stretched ligaments between the metatarsal heads  can restore to healthier position.

Realignment = Real Relief

Feet Balance Orthotics realign your fallen Tarsal joint to the point of aligning your Tilted anklebones at the same height. 

This not only stops your bunion from getting worse but also prevent your major joints from ongoing damage by making them to move in alignment

📅 Ready to relieve bunion pain the right way?
Schedule your foot alignment evaluation today.