Never Ignore Juvenile Bunions

When we talk about bony bumps on people’s big toes, we usually mention how women are more prone to have these misshapen joints as well as the horrors of wearing high heels often. This time, however, we will let the ladies off the hook. We will, instead, focus on bunions in children’s feet. This is a slightly different problem.

What are the causes of Juvenile Bunions?

This problem can occur so early in life, and when it does, it is usually not a matter of wearing the wrong shoes, although shoes that are too tight can make this problem worse. The underlying reason that your children are more likely to develop this deformity is that the ligaments in their metatarsophalangeal joint are more lax. That joint is where the big toe meets the foot. When the ligaments are too loose, then the joint can also move around in different, abnormal ways.

The problem just increases if a child has flat feet or other abnormalities in his or her foot mechanics. Normally, all our joints would stay lined up properly with each stride you take. However, when your gait is off, it can increase pressure on the side of the toe. This will cause it to be pushed in towards the other toes with each step you take. As a result, the joint will then move in the opposite direction and it will bend out a greater angle than normal. The bump that is visible is actually the end of the foot bone that is attached to the big toe bones.

Do Juvenile Bunions Hurt?

These foot deformities usually cause pain, but there are some cases that move from adolescence to adulthood that never end up causing any issues until later in life, when they are diagnosed with arthritis. In reality, there are many places in  the world where people are more comfortable to walk barefoot, and those people can have this foot condition without having to experience painful symptoms.

Because most children in Canada wear shoes, they are more likely to have concerns and problems with this deformity. The bony bump can rub against their shoes and can become irritated, swollen and sore. In such cases where the joint has moved quite far out of alignment, then it can ache and your child might have trouble finding shoes that will fit without it causing foot pain when he or she is walking.

How Sheldon H. Nadal, DPM Can Help Your Child

Sheldon H. Nadal, DPM has seen and treated crooked toe joints in both children and adults, so do not delay getting relief for your child’s bunion pain! Contact us today for an appointment.