Bunion | Shriners Children’s (2024)

Bunion | Shriners Children’s (1)

Bunion Care Locations

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Bunion (hallux valgus), is the development of a large, boney-like bump where the big toe meets the foot.

Because a pediatric bunion is different than what an adult may experience, care for hallux valgus at Shriners Children's is tailored to best meet the needs of young feet.

Bunions develop when the structure of the foot leads to bones pointing out too much, and the big toe joint moves – causing it to lean toward the smaller toes. Pediatric bunions most commonly appear between the ages of 10 and 15, and affect girls most frequently. Girls with flat feet are at greatest risk of developing bunions.

Bunions tend to run in families; however, the exact cause of hallux valgus is unknown. While tight or poorly fitting shoes do not cause bunions, narrow, pointed-toe footwear can be a trigger for feet where the condition was most likely already present.

Our pediatric orthopedic specialists will examine your child's foot, as well as take an X-rayto determine if a bunion is the cause of your child's symptoms. These symptoms can include: a sore bump, swelling at the base of the big toe, pain when wearing shoes, and/or pain when walking.

Treatment Options for Bunions

While surgery may be needed in some cases, non-surgical treatment options are often best for your child.

Non-surgical options:

  • Anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen, may manage swelling and pain
  • Use a cold compress to reduce discomfort and swelling
  • A splint, used to reposition the big toe, may provide comfort
  • Temporarily avoid walking or standing for long periods of time
  • Place a cushioned pad over the bunion
  • Make certain shoes don't squeeze the toes, and that they otherwise fit correctly

For significant deformity, surgery options are available, but it's best to try and avoid surgery while the foot is still growing.

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Shriners Children's provides specialty health care to children around the world. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments, services and support to improve the quality of our patients’ lives and help them reach their full potential.

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Bunion | Shriners Children’s (9)
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Bunion | Shriners Children’s (10)

Certified Orthotists: Important Players on Our Care Team

Whether it's customizing a piece exclusively for your child's foot, or determining which off-the-shelf orthotic will provide the best support — our Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetics Services (POPS) team specializes in knowing what your child needs.

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Shriners Children's radiology and imaging services are a noninvasive way for physicians to see what's going on inside a child's body. Our radiology and imaging professionals work to do this in the safest way possible.

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Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS)

Shriners Children’s Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) designs, fits and manufactures orthotics and prosthetics for children from infants to young adults.

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Shriners Children's world-renowned pediatric surgery program gives us the ability to help children who have a variety of conditions, including those they were born with, as well as those that develop over time or are the result of an injury.

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Bunion | Shriners Children’s (2024)

FAQs

Is there a bunion corrector that actually works? ›

Unfortunately, there is no medical research or data to support the claim that bunion correctors straighten the big toe.

Is it normal for kids to have bunions? ›

The pressure from the big toe can force the second toe out of alignment, sometimes overlapping with the third toe. While bunions are most common among adult women, they also can occur in tweens and teens between the ages of 10 and 15. Teenage girls are three times more likely than boys to get bunions.

What are the 5 stages of a bunion? ›

There are different stages of a bunion which are shown below: A – Grade 1 (no deformity); B – grade 2 (mild deformity); C – grade 3 (moderate deformity); D – grade 4 (severe deformity). Conservative options have been reported across the literature with mixed results.

Do bunion exercises work? ›

“Many people shy away from exercise because they think it will make their bunions worse, but it actually can help with the associated symptoms,” says Dr. Kemp. Exercise can't get rid of a bunion, but it can help to decrease gait impairment, and strengthen the muscles of your feet, ankles, and legs.

Can you really correct a bunion without surgery? ›

This may also help to reduce the severity. Bunions are permanent without surgery, but surgery isn't always necessary. In general, bunions need surgery if the pain is severe and conservative treatments don't keep bunions from getting worse, or if it's affecting your activities or causing other foot concerns.

What is the new technology to remove bunions? ›

Lapiplasty® is a new procedure using patented technology to correct not only the bunion, but its root cause. It straightens three dimensions of alignment of the metatarsal bone.

How do you fix a bunion in a child? ›

Non-surgical options:
  1. Anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen, may manage swelling and pain.
  2. Use a cold compress to reduce discomfort and swelling.
  3. A splint, used to reposition the big toe, may provide comfort.
  4. Temporarily avoid walking or standing for long periods of time.
  5. Place a cushioned pad over the bunion.

What age should you get bunion surgery? ›

Bunionectomies before the age of 18 can be trickier because the bone plates may still be shifting and accommodating. They should only be done by a specialist in pediatric podiatry. Before the age of 35, your risk of recurrence is much higher, and you may need a second surgery later on.

Are bunions a genetic disorder? ›

So, yes, bunions are genetic. Inheriting feet that have a problematic foot structure can lead to bunions. However, bunions can also stem from conditions like flat feet and highly flexible ligaments. They can also come from improper and unsupportive footwear like heels.

How can I shrink my bunions naturally? ›

How to Shrink Bunions Naturally: A Step-By-Step Process
  1. Step 1: Assess Your Footwear. ...
  2. Step 2: Use Bunion Pads and Splints. ...
  3. Step 3: Incorporate Toe Exercises and Stretches. ...
  4. Step 4: Apply Ice and Heat Therapy. ...
  5. Step 5: Consider Custom Orthotics. ...
  6. Step 6: Embrace Foot Soaks and Massages. ...
  7. Step 7: Maintain a Healthy Weight.
Feb 15, 2024

What is the average age for bunions? ›

More than 20% of men and women ages 18-65 have bunions, and more than 35% of men and women over age 65 have these toe deformities. Along with age, there are several other factors that can make it more likely you'll develop bunions. If you have a bunion, Premier Podiatry can get rid of it.

What is considered a bad bunion? ›

A healthy foot versus a foot with a severe bunion. Other signs to look for include: An angular, bony, painful bump on the outside base of the big toe, sometimes with hardened skin or a callus covering it. Swelling, redness and pain around the big toe area that can appear shiny.

Does walking barefoot help bunions? ›

Wearing open toe shoes, or going barefoot, can prevent bunions from becoming worse by reducing the pressure on the toes which could result in them becoming more inflamed over time. But keep in mind that walking barefoot will bring out any shortcomings in your biomechanics in the way you stand and walk.

Is it good to rub a bunion? ›

Shoes that are wider around the toes give bunions space and can relieve some of the pain associated with narrow toed shoes. Bunion massages may also help alleviate some pain. Bunions have trigger points that cause muscles to shorten and massaging the area can help to stretch the surrounding muscles.

Can anything reverse a bunion? ›

Bunions can't be reversed, and unfortunately, they don't go away on their own. Once you have a bunion, it will likely continue to grow over time. Luckily, many people don't need to have surgery to treat their bunions. It's possible to find pain relief through home remedies, orthotics and other treatments.

What is the best thing to fix bunions? ›

Treatment
  • Changing shoes. Wear roomy, comfortable shoes that provide plenty of space for your toes.
  • Padding. Over-the-counter, nonmedicated bunion pads or cushions may be helpful. ...
  • Medications. ...
  • Shoe inserts. ...
  • Applying ice.

How did I cured my bunions naturally? ›

Our 10 top tips on treating bunions without surgery:
  1. Massage and exercise your feet.
  2. Take a paracetamol.
  3. Soak your feet in a foot bath.
  4. Ice your feet.
  5. Put your feet up!
  6. Try castor oil.
  7. Try bunion pads.
  8. Try bunion splints.
Jul 20, 2022

Does anything work for bunions? ›

Surgery is the only way to get rid of them, but there are things you can do to ease any pain they cause.

Does bunion taping really work? ›

Taping bunions can reduce the bunion pain and stress brought on during the day by most shoes, standing and walking. Taping is often used to provide support, stability or rehabilitation to athletes suffering from bunion pain including runners, dancers, bikers and skiers.

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