Kids Can Get Bunions Too!

At this time of year when Halloween rolls around, many kids are all about finding the perfect costume. It seems as though the party stores get stocked with more and more options each year as children dress up in all kinds of different outfits—from scary zombies to Disney characters and superheroes. It can also be scary to see an abnormal bump on your child’s foot, one that is not part of a costume. While bunions are most common among adults, they can occur among younger teenagers, too, and it is a problem that needs to be addressed to prevent it from getting worse.

Kids Can Get Bunions - dallas tx A pediatric or adolescent bunion is slightly different than one that occurs with adults, in that it is primarily caused by a structural problem in the foot—although if you have a teenager who repeatedly wears tight, pointy shoes, this could also be an aggravating factor. When the structure of the big toe joint is affected and the big toe shifts in alignment, the result is that bump on the foot. For juveniles this can cause discomfort, pain while wearing shoes, and difficulty participating in certain activities. Since bunions are often an inherited condition, there isn’t a “cure” to just get rid of this deformity.

The first step in treatment for a pediatric bunion is footwear modification to ensure that toes are not being compressed. We can provide extra padding to protect the big toe joint, toe splints, and orthotics. Orthotics are inserts for your child’s shoes that keep the foot in proper alignment and limit the bunion’s progression. We would exhaust all conservative treatment options before turning to surgery, but if your child is in significant pain, and his or her activity level is extremely limited due to a bunion problem, we can discuss all surgery options that may help.

If you are concerned about your child’s bunions or fear that they are getting worse despite trying these conservative treatment methods, contact Dallas Podiatry Works for an evaluation. We can work with you to make sure your child grows up with healthy, pain free feet. Call Drs. Joel Brook, Arroyo, and McClurkin in Dallas, TX at 972.853.7100 or in Plano, TX at (972) 943-3323.

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

Google User

Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.