Parents of children with bunions often have the same question for an orthopedic pediatric doctor. And that is: ‘does my child need surgery?’

In adults, bunion surgery can be the right course of action to take – and even a first choice for treatment. But for children, surgery is bumped to the bottom of the list of solutions. It’s the last resort! 

 When it comes to treating children, non-surgical treatment options are the preferred option, and they can be highly effective too – saving children from the risk of surgery and complications altogether. 

However, we should note that bunions can’t be removed without surgery. But there are plenty of options to make living with bunions much more manageable. In some cases, the problem can cease to be one.  

Before we jump into the non-surgical options, let’s clarify what a bunion is. 

What is a bunion and how to tell if your child has one?

A bunion is a painful bony bump that forms at the joint of the big toe. It happens because the bones at the front of your foot move out of place. As well as seeing a noticeable lump, you’ll notice the big toe looks as though it’s slowly drifting toward the smaller toes. 

Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for: 

• A bump on the outside of the base of the big toe

• Swelling, redness, or soreness around the big toe joint 

• Corns or calluses due to friction between toes

• Ongoing pain, or pain that comes and goes

• Limited movement of your big toe

Do bunions go away by themselves? 

No, they don’t. Sometimes, parents notice bunions on their children’s feet and just wait it out, thinking they’ll disappear over time. They might just grow out of it, they think. The truth is… bunions are stubborn and won’t budge without proper treatment. 

If you do wait to get treatment, the situation could get much worse. So, to improve your child’s chances of responding to non-surgical options, the best thing to do is seek help right away. 

What causes bunions? 

Nobody can say for sure! 

It’s likely children were born with problems surrounding the shape of their foot, or deformities in their ligaments. Their posture and footwear can worsen these existing issues. For example, they may wear shoes that are too tight and exacerbating the problem. 

In some cases, children’s bunions could be the result of other medical conditions, such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or neuromuscular disorders. 

Non-surgical treatments for bunions 

There are more than a few non-surgical options for treating bunions, which means the chances of getting relief without surgery are good.

Here are 6 different but effective ways to manage bunions: 

1. Wearing the right shoes

Children and teens should wear shoes with a wide-toe box and low heels. The goal is to reduce the level of pressure on the bump, so it’s essential to avoid tight shoes that can crank up the pressure levels and turn on the pain. The right shoe wear can make a huge difference to a child’s quality of life. 

2. Bunion pads and taping 

Bunion pads and tape are available over the counter.  These easy-to-get items prevent pain by cushioning the affected area, leading to relief and a drop in pain levels. These are easy to apply and commit to. 

3. Orthotics 

Custom-made medical devices are another option to help ease the pain of bunions. These slip into your child’s shoes after being tailor-made for them. Orthotics can redistribute pressure in the foot and can promote the right foot position, encouraging proper alignment. 

4. Night splits 

These nifty devices are a proven and effective choice for bunion treatment. They’re worn at night to stretch the tissue and realign the bunion joint. They’re quick and easy to put on and apply a small level of pressure, reducing friction and inflammation. They shouldn’t cause discomfort, so children will find their sleep unaffected.

5. Exercises

Your orthopedic pediatric doctor can prescribe exercises to improve your child’s mobility and strengthen the supporting muscles. These simple but powerful exercises can lead to improvements in alignment. And they’ll cost you nothing. 

6. Painkillers

Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can be taken to minimize your child’s pain. You could also apply cold compresses to the affected area to reduce irritation, pain, and swelling. 

When is surgery necessary? 

Surgery can only be a real option for a child when pain is involved, and other methods have failed to produce relief. It’s not recommended to undergo bunion surgery for non-pain purposes, such as changing the appearance of a foot. Trust us, it’s not worth the risk.  

Surgery could become necessary when other interventions haven’t worked and the pain persists, making daily life difficult for your child. 

But you should know, most orthopedic pediatric surgeons will wait until skeletal maturity in children has happened – usually after the ages of 15 to 17. 

Why wait until they’re older? We have to think about the child’s growth plate. Children are still developing and their bones are malleable. This is why it’s important to give non-surgical options a go first. We don’t want to mess with growing bones. 

When non-surgical options are employed early, juvenile bunions can quickly become a non-issue in your child’s life. Surgery may never be considered at all! 

Trustworthy orthopedic pediatric surgeons in Brandon and Tampa, FL 

Whether your child needs surgical or non-surgical treatments for their bunions, seek help and expert advice from experienced orthopedic pediatric doctors near you. 

We’re here to support your children to better health with our high-quality standard of care and knowledge. If you’re looking for the best orthopedic pediatric surgeons in Brandon or Tampa FL, get in touch with us at POBAR (Pediatric Orthopedics of Brandon and Riverview).

Remember, early correction is vital, so your child can lead an active life without the interference of pain. 

When you’re ready, contact us. We can make bunion pain a thing of the past for your child.