Mother’s Day is arriving quickly. Whether you enjoy celebrating it at home, with a picnic, or at the annual truck convoy, you hopefully get a great opportunity to share some wonderful family time. Memories are the best things to pass from generation to generation, but unfortunately less desirable things can be inherited as well. It might come as a surprise, but bunions are such a possibility.
Bunions are often thought of as a concern only in adulthood and beyond, or a condition that only arises with a lifetime of wearing the wrong types of shoes. Neither idea is fully true, however. Juvenile bunions can begin developing during childhood, and are often the result of an abnormal foot shape caused by genetics.
The joints of a child who tends to develop juvenile bunions tend to be hypermobile, which basically means they’re loose. The child might also overpronate, rolling inward as they step and placing extra pressure on the joint of the big toe. In some cases, a form of neuromuscular disorder or rheumatoid arthritis can also contribute to the formation of the telltale bony bump at the base of the big toe.
Juvenile bunions are a special concern because there is so much more time and opportunity for the condition to become worse than with adult bunions. The sooner the problem begins to be addressed, the greater the chances of preventing a worse case and significant discomfort in the future.
If you suspect a problem with your child’s feet or ankles, never wait on it. The doctors at Martin Foot & Ankle can help you identify the problem and recommend the best plans for your child for treatment and management going forward. Cal us at (717) 757-3537 to set up an appointment at one of our offices in Hanover, Lancaster, Lititz, or York, PA.