Causes and treatment of bursitis of the little toe

  An inversion of the little toe, with the 5th toe bone protruding laterally, forming a bursa and becoming inflamed, is called bursitis of the little toe, commonly known as a cutter’s toe.  Many patients often complain of pain in the lateral aspect of the little toe when wearing narrow shoes. Examination may also reveal an outward protrusion of the 5th metatarsal head, localized thickening of the skin, callus formation, and even redness, swelling, and pain. Some patients also show callus formation on the metatarsal side of the 5th metatarsal head. Bursitis of the little toe may occur alone or in combination with a bunion deformity. Some patients may have inversion of the little toe. Wu Gang of the Minimally Invasive Foot and Ankle Surgery Department of the Rehabilitation Hospital attached to the National Rehabilitation Assistive Devices Research Center wears inappropriate shoes and developmental abnormalities that can cause the fifth metatarsal head to protrude outward. If you wear narrow shoes, the local skin is squeezed and rubbed by the shoe surface, producing bursal inflammation and causing pain. After long-term friction, local skin thickening callus is formed. Surgery: 1. Non-surgical treatment Change to loose, soft shoes or use foot pads to reduce local pressure. When local inflammation occurs, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs can be used.  2.Surgical treatment When non-surgical treatment is ineffective, the bone can be surgically removed or metatarsal osteotomy can be performed. If the 5th metatarsal head is lateral to the bone superfluous and callus formation, Chevron osteotomy can be used to correct the problem. In the case of callus formation on the metatarsal side of the 5th metatarsal head, a Wilson osteotomy may be performed. If the angle between the 4th and 5th metatarsals is significantly increased, the 5th metatarsal trunk Ludolff, Scarf osteotomy or Juvara osteotomy is required to correct the problem.