Tailor's bunion is the same type of deformity that affects the fifth toe. This deviation may remain stable or become more pronounced over time. It may or may not be painful. The biggest strain that people with bunions usually experience is the difficulty in finding shoes that are wide enough in the forefoot.

Bunions can be acquired or inherited. Acquired bunions are caused by deficiencies in the osteoarticular and ligamentary systems (aging, microtrauma and overloading) and represent nearly 70% of cases. Hereditary bunions usually appear in the first twenty years of a person's life and are called "juvenile". They account for nearly 30% of cases. Thus, bunions can be found in all people, however, women are most often affected. Wearing shoes that are too short, too narrow and/or high heels can aggravate this condition. In men, it is often caused by having flat feet or is hereditary.