Care Management
The care management team at Shriners Children's consists of registered nurses and social workers who act as resources for families throughout their plan of care.
Bunion (hallux valgus), is the development of a large, boney-like bump where the big toe meets the foot.
Because a pediatric bunion is different than what an adult may experience, care for hallux valgus at Shriners Children's is tailored to best meet the needs of young feet.
Bunions develop when the structure of the foot leads to bones pointing out too much, and the big toe joint moves – causing it to lean toward the smaller toes. Pediatric bunions most commonly appear between the ages of 10 and 15, and affect girls most frequently. Girls with flat feet are at greatest risk of developing bunions.
Bunions tend to run in families; however, the exact cause of hallux valgus is unknown. While tight or poorly fitting shoes do not cause bunions, narrow, pointed-toe footwear can be a trigger for feet where the condition was most likely already present.
Our pediatric orthopedic specialists will examine your child's foot, as well as take an X-ray to determine if a bunion is the cause of your child's symptoms. These symptoms can include: a sore bump, swelling at the base of the big toe, pain when wearing shoes, and/or pain when walking.
Treatment Options for Bunions
While surgery may be needed in some cases, non-surgical treatment options are often best for your child.
Non-surgical options:
- Anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen, may manage swelling and pain
- Use a cold compress to reduce discomfort and swelling
- A splint, used to reposition the big toe, may provide comfort
- Temporarily avoid walking or standing for long periods of time
- Place a cushioned pad over the bunion
- Make certain shoes don't squeeze the toes, and that they otherwise fit correctly
For significant deformity, surgery options are available, but it's best to try and avoid surgery while the foot is still growing.
Locations for Bunion Care
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Shriners Children's provides specialty health care to children around the world. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments, services and support to improve the quality of our patients’ lives and help them reach their full potential.
Certified Orthotists: Important Players on Our Care Team
Whether it's customizing a piece exclusively for your child's foot, or determining which off-the-shelf orthotic will provide the best support — our Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetics Services (POPS) team specializes in knowing what your child needs.
Innovative Treatments
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Radiology and Imaging
Shriners Children's radiology and imaging services are a noninvasive way for physicians to see what's going on inside a child's body. Our radiology and imaging professionals work to do this in the safest way possible.
Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS)
Shriners Children’s Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) designs, fits and manufactures orthotics and prosthetics for children from infants to young adults.
Pediatric Surgery
Shriners Children's world-renowned pediatric surgery program gives us the ability to help children who have a variety of conditions, including those they were born with, as well as those that develop over time or are the result of an injury.
Next Steps
Request an Appointment
Families and caregivers seeking treatment should start by contacting us for an appointment.
Log in to the Patient Portal
Parents and guardians of existing patients can email, request records, schedule appointments and more.
Refer a Patient
Physicians and healthcare providers can request appointments, start transfers or contact us with questions.