How to Treat Children's Bunions

A bunion is a bump that appears at the base of the big toe. Left untreated, bunions lead to pain and deformity. Tight, narrow shoes often cause bunions, although some people develop bunions due to family history or cerebral palsy. Bunions can strike children as young as 10 years old.

Instructions

• 1

  Examine your child's foot if she complains of pain. You may notice a bump and swelling at the joint of the big toe.

• 2

  Throw out or give away ill-fitting shoes. Select shoes that fit your child's foot regardless of the size. Different brands size differently, and children's feet grow.

• 3

  Follow directions in giving analgesics like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain. Rest the foot as much as possible, and apply ice packs for ten minutes daily. Massage may help.

• 4

  Have your child wear a pad between the bunion and the shoe. You can find specialty bunion pads or shields at pharmacies.

• 5

  Consult with a pediatric podiatrist or orthopedist if the bunion doesn't improve or gets worse. Bunions can lead to bursitis or other infections that require antibiotics.

• 6

  Separate the toes or take pressure off bunions with custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, if needed.

• 7

  Consider surgery when bunions fail to respond to other treatment. Left untreated, bunions can leave a child in constant pain or with limited mobility.