“Do bunion correctors work for kids?”
My son has a bunion and I want to treat it. Do bunion correctors work for kids?
7 Answers
Yes.
Be well,Brent Reinheimer, MD
Be well,Brent Reinheimer, MD
For the most part, the most important question is why does your son have a bunion? The most common area is the big toe or, less likely the smallest toe. This can be due to bone protrusion and/or tight-fitting shoes. Athletes or active kids are more likely to develop bunions as they are generally more active and the foot is constantly changing/grower. A bunion corrector may provide some immediate relief, as well as create a little more room, but if the underlying problem is not corrected, it will likely continue due to worsen over time. A pediatrician or podiatrist can help with this.
A small percentage of children are born with bunion deformities. They are called congenital hallux abducto valgus (bunion). Unfortunately over the counter or medical grade bunion "splints" have not been shown to be effective in reversing the deformity. They would have to worn for years and there is no medical data that they are effective. I recommend that you consult with a Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
Hi, from experience, any correctors of deformities in the foot do not correct 100%, and sometimes the attempt to correct a deformity may bring on other compensation issues. A bunion is a mal alignment of the big toe joint, the only definitive way is to re align the joint for correction to occur and bunion to go away. I recommend that you seek consult with my partner, Dr. Nguyen, she do this type of correction every week. hope this helps, good luck.
The only way to correct a bunion is through surgery. There is about a 25% recurrence rate when surgery is performed before the growth plates close. In my practice, I usually try to have patients wait until they are skeletally mature, about 18 years old, before I do or recommend bunion surgery
Typically we wait as long as possible to do them, as juvenile halls valgus has a tendency to recur
Bunions form due to a muscle imbalance. Genetics will also play a role due to the foot type. Bunion correctors usually do not stop the progression. I recommend you make an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist) for evaluation and treatment options
