Juvenile Bunions
A juvenile bunion is a bony bump that develops at the base of the big toe in children and adolescents, where the big toe gradually angles towards the smaller toes. The medical term is Hallux Abducto-Valgus (HAV), describing how the big toe changes direction and rotates due to pressure and mechanical forces at the joint during walking and running.
What is a juvenile bunion?
In children, bunions typically begin to appear between the ages of 10 and 15. Unlike many adult bunions, juvenile bunions often have a strong genetic component — certain foot types that are prone to bunion formation tend to run in families.
The big toe joint comes under load with every step. When foot mechanics aren't ideal, excessive and repeated pressure can build at the big toe during gait, encouraging the joint to drift out of alignment over time.
What causes them, and what should you look for?
Several factors can contribute to juvenile bunions:
- Inherited foot type — certain structures are simply more prone to HAV.
- Poor foot mechanics — for example excessive pronation (rolling in), which increases pressure on the big toe joint.
- High-load activities — sports such as soccer and football, plus ballet, can be contributing factors.
- Footwear — shoes that are narrow or too short can crowd the toes.
Signs to watch for include a visible bump on the inside of the foot near the big toe, the big toe leaning towards the second toe, redness or rubbing in shoes, and occasional aching or discomfort after activity.
How does Blueprint Podiatry assess and treat juvenile bunions?
Our podiatry team is experienced in assessing the foot types that are prone to bunions, and we take a particular interest in working with children. Each of our three registered podiatrists holds a Bachelor of Podiatry and is a certified Level 1 Running Coach, so a genuine gait and running assessment is a core part of how we understand why pressure is concentrating at the big toe joint.
A typical assessment may include a biomechanical and gait evaluation, footwear review, and consideration of activity load. Where orthotic therapy is appropriate, we use weightbearing 3D scanning and design patient-matched, left-and-right custom devices using 3D CAD software. All our orthotics are 3D printed in-house — no external-lab delay. The aim of orthotic therapy is to help manage abnormal pressure and may help slow the progression of bunion formation, particularly when started early in growing feet.
Please note that we provide conservative care and referral only — we do not perform bunion surgery. Where surgical opinion is warranted, we'll guide you on the right referral pathway.
When should you seek help?
The earlier a juvenile bunion is assessed, the more we can do while a child's feet are still developing. It's worth booking an appointment if you notice a developing bump, your child reports pain or rubbing, or there's a family history of bunions.
Medically reviewed by Matt Shanahan, registered podiatrist (AHPRA POD0001603396), Blueprint Podiatry.
Last reviewed: 21 June 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
At what age can my child develop a bunion?
Juvenile bunions most commonly begin to appear between the ages of 10 and 15. Because there's often a strong hereditary component, children with a family history of bunions are worth assessing early — even before symptoms become obvious.
Can orthotics fix my child's bunion without surgery?
Orthotics are a conservative treatment that aim to help manage the abnormal pressure contributing to bunion formation, and may help slow progression — particularly in growing feet. They aren't a guaranteed cure and won't reverse an established bony change, but they're an important part of conservative care. We provide conservative management and referral only; we don't perform bunion surgery.
What happens at the first appointment?
Our podiatry team will discuss your child's history and activities, examine the foot, and carry out a biomechanical and gait assessment. From there we'll explain what we've found and discuss suitable options, which may include footwear advice, activity guidance and custom orthotic therapy using our in-house 3D scanning and printing.
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