Can Bunions Be Prevented in Children?
Take a look at the factors contributing to bunions in children and the effective strategies for prevention.
Updated August 19, 2024.
Bunions, a painful deformity of the big toe, often appear because of ill-fitting shoes or genetic factors. They can cause discomfort and even surgery in some cases.
The resulting pain is nothing to scoff at. What if your kid is unable to run and play their favourite sport? Their self-esteem and quality of life suffer.
Luckily, you can take steps to prevent bunions in your little one.
» Prevent bunions in your kid. Have them wear orthopaedic shoes
Risk Factors Behind Bunions in Children
A few risk factors might make your kid more susceptible to bunions. They are:
Gender (females are more prone to bunions than males)
- Genetics
- Weak connective tissue
- Short Achilles tendon or calf muscles
- Joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Flat feet
- Wearing tight-fitting shoes and the presence of flat feet.
These are all risk factors, not the causes behind the condition. They're also more likely to result in bunions in adults than in kids.
» Find out how improper shoe size affects your kid's foot
Can Bunions Be Prevented in Children?
I wouldn’t use the word ‘prevent’ since the exact causes aren’t known, but you can limit the risk.
The following will help minimise the risk of bunions in children:
- Have your kid wear supportive orthopaedic shoes.
- Try including play therapy in their activities. Focus on exercises that lengthen the calf muscles and Achilles tendon.
- Encourage proper static and dynamic gait to prevent flat feet. Your kid can walk barefoot indoors or on soft surfaces to help their muscles and arch develop correctly.
» Learn how to prevent kids' foot injuries
Protect Your Kids' Feet from Bunions
It is difficult to prevent children from getting bunions completely, but you can do a lot to reduce the risks.
Help their feet stay healthy. Make sure they wear the proper shoes, stay at a healthy weight, and take care of any foot problems they might have. Parents and doctors can help their feet stay healthy and strong.
Sometimes, even if we do everything right, kids might still get bunions because of their genes. But we can make it much less likely that they'll have problems later in life by being careful and taking good care of their feet.
» Want to prevent bunions in your kid? Try orthopedic shoes
Disclaimer: First Walkers' information is intended for educational and informational purposes related to toddler footwear and feet. We encourage you to consider individual circumstances and consult qualified orthopedists about specific conditions.
