I have right side muscle contractures and tend to supinate (curl the foot inward) while grasping involuntarly with the toes. This causes us to push off the outside (lateral) portion of the foot when walking. To compensate for this I tend to slide my right foot forward along the floor and have experienced near falls on uneven surfaces. This foot position causes the head of the 5th metatarsal to protrude laterally and rub against the shoe causing pain. It is commen to develope a protective cyst or bursa between the bone and the skin thus forming a "Tailor' bunion". Here are some ideas.

You can not change the way you walk. Try having your shoe stretched making an accomadative pocket around the 5th meta head. You can buy silastic bunion protector pads in most pharmacy. Or, cut an adhevsive moleskin (1/8 ") pad in the shape of a donut or "U" and place it around, not on top of the bunion, to deflect shoe pressure. Wear wide shoes with soft leather.

If the Tailors bunion is inflamed consider a cortisone injection. They can work wonders for a period of time. Orthotics can not change the contracture of your foot so it is not uncommen that the pain can return if you wear the same shoes. I would pass on expensive orthotics. Sometimes an ankle-foot-orthotic (AFO) is used with stroke patients .

If all else flails the last resort is surgery. The lateral side of the 5th metatarsal head is shaved eliminating the bony prominence, and removing the inflamed bursa. This is an out paient surgery with a high success rate, but a lengthy recovery.

I would consult a Podiatrist if pain persists.
Feel free to PM me if you need more advice.

Gary

Gary