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Parents are always concerned of their child’s posture, weight, and of course general health. They are willing to send their kids for health check-ups, postural check- ups, send them for exercises such as yoga, pilates, ballet, dancing and sports just to make sure they are in good shape. But they often overlook that their child’s feet are ‘out of shape’ and fail to have it checked. One of the foot conditions that parents are shocked to find in their child is a bunion. Especially since it can present at age 6!
A bunion is an unnatural bony hump at the side of the base of the big toe. The big toe deviates towards the second toe. In severe cases it either rides on or hides under the second toe. A bunion occurs at the joint and is therefore exposed to high loading forces as the foot moves. It is just a matter of time before it becomes painful. It is commonly caused by an inherited faulty mechanical foot structure, ill- fitting shoes such as high heels, pointed and undersized shoes. So for parents, if you are aware that someone in your family has a bunion then it’s time to have your child’s feet checked.
An X-ray of a bunion
Treatment of a bunion will address the faulty biomechanics of the child, reduce the leaning of big toe to the second toe, reduce the pain, an most of all stop it from becoming worse.
Bunions area a progressive disorder. The angle increases year by year. The sooner the treatment starts the better.
Article contributed by
Edward Badua
Biomechanist & Senior Consultant for the Family Podiatry Centre.
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