Foot & ankle specialists

The Symptoms

The bony prominence of the big toe joint at the ball of the foot is the distinguishing feature of a bunion. For some, the bunion will remain painless and asymptomatic. Others may experience joint pain, redness, swelling, and pain when bending the toe (including during walking). As footwear can become difficult to fit and rub against the joint, corns, calluses and blisters may develop.

Over time, the big toe may start buttressing against, over-riding or under-riding the second and third toes. If your child is raising concerns about pain in the big toe joint, this should be taken seriously, as the symptoms of bunions tend to worsen over time.

Treatment

The good news is that unlike adult bunions that are often rigid and inflexible, bunions in children tend to still be mobile and flexible – making treatment significantly easier.

Footwear

Treating bunions must start with addressing the cause. If the cause is tight, ill-fitting footwear, then switching to shoes with a wide toe box (the area of the shoe surrounding the toes) is essential to help prevent the bunion from worsening. Ensure the width is sufficient to not continue to push on, or rub against the side of the bunion.

Source:   MyFootDr