The pain caused by a tailor’s bunion can be extremely bothersome. Luckily, taping a tailor’s bunion is a simple yet effective way to alleviate their discomfort and slow the progression of this common foot condition. Read on for information about the characteristics, symptoms, and causes of tailor’s bunions, as well as a step-by-step guide outlining how to tape a tailor’s bunion.
What is a Tailor’s Bunion?
Tailor’s bunions are bony growths that develop at the junction where your pinkie toe meets your foot. These growths can cause extreme discomfort but can typically be kept from worsening by nonsurgical means. Nonetheless, to fully remove or restore a tailor’s bunion, you will typically need surgical intervention from a podiatrist.
These growths are often also caused by:
- Narrow or pointed shoes that crowd your toes
- Your foot mechanics
- Inflammatory conditions
- Standing or walking for prolonged periods
A tailor’s bunion can create a misalignment in your pinkie toe or bend it inward towards your other toes. Over time, a tailor’s bunion forms as your bones shift to compensate for the misalignment.
If left untreated, a tailor’s bunion will worsen over time. The growth will become larger, is likely to cause pain or swelling, and will eventually create difficulty walking. In these cases, a surgical procedure is often necessary to correct the issue.
How to Tape a Tailor’s Bunion
Taping a tailor’s bunion can relieve pressure, reduce friction, and provide comfort to your pinkie toe. Popular adhesive tape for this purpose is cloth medical tape. You will need scissors and, though it is not necessary, may benefit from having pre-wrap.
The steps to taping a tailor’s bunion are easy and effective when done correctly. You will want to begin by gathering the necessary supplies, followed by:
- Measure and cut four arch strips: To determine where to cut your arch strips, unroll some of the tape and wrap it completely around the arch of your foot. Measure 1 to 2 inches past where the tape rounds the edge of your foot and mark it. Cut the tape at the mark, and use this piece as a guide to cut three more strips of the same length.
- Measure and cut two toe strips: Take the tape and wrap it around your big toe. Mark one inch beyond where the tape overlaps and cut it, then use the first piece as a guide to cut a second.
- Trim your toe strips: Depending on the width of the tape you are using, you may need to take a necessary extra step and trim the tape. You should have approximately one centimeter of your big toe exposed from the top of the strip when wrapped.
- Measure and cut edge strips: Take your tape and hold it along the inner edge of your foot. Keeping the tape in line with your big toenail, pull the tape back to your angle. Mark and cut the tape at your ankle, then cut two more strips of the same length.
- Place a toe strip: Take one toe strip and wrap it around your big toe.
- Place two arch strips: Place the edge of one of your arch strips at the start of your arch so that it starts on the outer edge of your foot across the bottom and up the side to the inner edge of your foot. Place a second arch strip running in the same direction but overlapping it with the first so it lands where your arch ends.
- Place edge strips: Take the first edge strip and place one end on top of the tape encircling your big toe. Pull the tape taught and press it along the edge of your foot, placing the end on top of the arch strips. Take a second strip and place it at the same starting location, but angle it in one direction or the other by approximately 30 degrees. Do the same with the remaining edge strip, angling it in the opposite direction as the last. You should see what looks like a tall triangle at the arch of your foot.
- Place a toe strip: Wrap the remaining toe strip around your big toe. This adds security to your arch tape.
- Place arch strips: Place the remaining arch strips on top of the previously placed arch strips.
That is all there is to it. It is a simple, effective remedy to treat early tailor’s bunions.
Conclusion
The health of your feet plays a vital role in your quality of life. Do not let painful tailor’s bunions affect it. When tailor’s bunions have surpassed the point of home remedies, tailor’s bunion repair may be a necessary solution. Talk to your podiatrist about the best treatment options for you.