Bunions in Children and Teenagers

Bunions are often thought of as an adult condition, but they can also develop in children and teenagers. In younger patients, bunions are usually linked to foot structure and genetics rather than footwear alone. Early assessment can help guide what to monitor and how to manage the condition as the foot continues to grow.

For a broader overview, see our bunions page.

You can also explore our children’s feet page for a broader overview of common foot concerns in children and teenagers.

What does a bunion look like in children?

• A visible bump at the side of the big toe joint
• The big toe angling toward the second toe
• Occasional discomfort in shoes or after activity
• Difficulty fitting into certain footwear

Bunions can start early

Especially when foot structure and growth patterns are involved.

Why do bunions develop in younger patients?

• Family history and inherited foot structure
• Flat feet or foot mechanics that affect the big toe joint
• Growth patterns during childhood and adolescence
• Footwear may contribute, but is usually not the only cause

When should a bunion in a child be assessed?

• If the bunion is becoming more noticeable
• If there is pain in shoes or after activity
• If footwear is becoming difficult to fit
• If the big toe is drifting more over time

What can be done for bunions in children?

• Monitoring changes over time
• Footwear advice to reduce pressure
• Assessing foot mechanics
• Guidance for sport, school, and daily activity

How we assess bunions in children at Medifoot Clinic

We assess how the foot is developing, how the big toe is aligning, what footwear is being used, and whether the bunion appears stable or progressing. This helps guide whether simple monitoring is enough or whether changes are worth making early.

Related bunion guides

• Bunions — overview of causes, progression, and treatment options
• Early bunion treatment — what to do when a bunion is just starting or only mildly noticeable
• Painful bunion — when the bunion becomes irritated, inflamed, or difficult to manage in shoes
• Bunion getting worse — signs the bunion is becoming more prominent or harder to manage
• Children’s feet — broader guidance on common foot concerns in children and teenagers