Many people think that every problem of the big toe joint is abunionand want bunion surgery (known as abunionectomy) to saw the bunion away. It turns out there are several foot problems that look like bunions but are not.A bunion is a bony prominence causing an enlargement on the side of the big toe. Bunions are not bone growths. Rather, theyoccur from a malalignment of the big toe jointthat causes the bone to push outwards.Bunion surgeryinvolves repositioning the out-of-place bones.Because bunions come in various sizes, it’s not always clear if the problem is a bunion. So before you sign up for a bunionectomy, learn about what other conditions masquerade as bunions and how to treat these foot problems.
Many people think that every problem of the big toe joint is abunionand want bunion surgery (known as abunionectomy) to saw the bunion away. It turns out there are several foot problems that look like bunions but are not.
A bunion is a bony prominence causing an enlargement on the side of the big toe. Bunions are not bone growths. Rather, theyoccur from a malalignment of the big toe jointthat causes the bone to push outwards.Bunion surgeryinvolves repositioning the out-of-place bones.
Because bunions come in various sizes, it’s not always clear if the problem is a bunion. So before you sign up for a bunionectomy, learn about what other conditions masquerade as bunions and how to treat these foot problems.
Big Toe Joint ArthritisBSIP/UIG/Universal Images/GroupArthritis of the big toe joint is the most common bunion look-alike. One of the hallmarks of big toe joint arthritis (known in medical circles ashallux rigidusorhallux limitus, depending on the severity of the arthritis) is bone spurs that form on a joint as a result of the degenerating cartilage.These bone spurs can be quite large and painful. The skin overlying the bone spurs can become red and inflamed, just like a bunion. Bone spurs with arthritis tend to occur on the top of the big toe joint, which is different from bunions, where the bony prominence is on the side.Bunions, however, can occur along with arthritis of the big toe joint. X-rays would help determine the extent of the arthritis and how/if it contributes to bunion pain.
Big Toe Joint Arthritis
BSIP/UIG/Universal Images/Group
Arthritis of the big toe joint is the most common bunion look-alike. One of the hallmarks of big toe joint arthritis (known in medical circles ashallux rigidusorhallux limitus, depending on the severity of the arthritis) is bone spurs that form on a joint as a result of the degenerating cartilage.
These bone spurs can be quite large and painful. The skin overlying the bone spurs can become red and inflamed, just like a bunion. Bone spurs with arthritis tend to occur on the top of the big toe joint, which is different from bunions, where the bony prominence is on the side.
Bunions, however, can occur along with arthritis of the big toe joint. X-rays would help determine the extent of the arthritis and how/if it contributes to bunion pain.
Ganglion Cyst
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Ganglion cysts are firm, fluid-filled sacs that occur all over the body. When they occur around the big toe joint, they can be confused with a bunion. A ganglion cyst develops around a joint and often connects to the joint, which is from where the fluid originates.
Cysts can be painful. Somtimes an over-the-counter painkiller can provide relief. Another option is in-office procedure involving aspiration (sometimes involving a corticosteroid injection).
GoutGout is a common problem of the big toe joint, causing it to become acutely painful, red, hot, and swollen. Bunions are also known to get reddish in color from the direct pressure of the bunion within a shoe.Gout is a condition in which the big toe joint (and other joints, too) develop internal crystals from an overabundance of uric acid in one’s bloodstream. These sharp crystals cause intense pain in the big toe joint.Sometimes, gout is difficult to diagnose because blood tests may be normal. X-rays of the big toe joint may present gouty changes of the joint (known as gouty arthritis).Gout flare-ups can be quickly resolved with medication and/or a steroid injection.Can Arthritis Shorten Your Lifespan?
Gout
Gout is a common problem of the big toe joint, causing it to become acutely painful, red, hot, and swollen. Bunions are also known to get reddish in color from the direct pressure of the bunion within a shoe.
Gout is a condition in which the big toe joint (and other joints, too) develop internal crystals from an overabundance of uric acid in one’s bloodstream. These sharp crystals cause intense pain in the big toe joint.
Sometimes, gout is difficult to diagnose because blood tests may be normal. X-rays of the big toe joint may present gouty changes of the joint (known as gouty arthritis).
Gout flare-ups can be quickly resolved with medication and/or a steroid injection.
Can Arthritis Shorten Your Lifespan?
Bony ProminenceThe biggest misconception with bunion surgery is that bunions are outgrowths of bone and can be shaved off. Bunions are not bone growths. However, the underlying bone may be enlarged and prominent, giving the appearance of a bunion.It’s common to see bony enlargements that occur with bunions, but they also occur when a bunion is absent. X-rays can easily identify whether there is a bony enlargement.While bunion surgery involves repositioning the malaligned bones, most procedures also involve shaving away any bony prominence at the big toe joint.Why Your Bunions Keep Coming Back and What You Can Do About It
Bony Prominence
The biggest misconception with bunion surgery is that bunions are outgrowths of bone and can be shaved off. Bunions are not bone growths. However, the underlying bone may be enlarged and prominent, giving the appearance of a bunion.
It’s common to see bony enlargements that occur with bunions, but they also occur when a bunion is absent. X-rays can easily identify whether there is a bony enlargement.
While bunion surgery involves repositioning the malaligned bones, most procedures also involve shaving away any bony prominence at the big toe joint.
Why Your Bunions Keep Coming Back and What You Can Do About It
Bursitis
A bursa at the big toe joint is nothing more than trapped inflammatory fluid between the skin and underlying bone. People with bunions are more susceptible to developing a bursa.
Bursitis Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn MoreHow to Treat Bone Spurs in Feet
Learn MoreTreatments for Corns and Calluses
Bunions can worsen over time, causing bursitis and calluses. Your toes may be forced out of alignment, which could lead to serious deformities or even dislocation of the second or third toe.If left untreated, bunions can cause arthritis and long-term damage.Learn MoreHow Arthritis Affects the Feet
Bunions can worsen over time, causing bursitis and calluses. Your toes may be forced out of alignment, which could lead to serious deformities or even dislocation of the second or third toe.If left untreated, bunions can cause arthritis and long-term damage.
Learn MoreHow Arthritis Affects the Feet
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ortho Virginia.Arthritis of the big toe (hallux rigidus): What are my treatment options?American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Ganglion cyst.Spire Healthcare.Ganglion cyst.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Gout.University Foot and Ankle Institute.Bursitis of the foot.Kirkpatrick J, Yassaie O, Mirjalili SA.The plantar calcaneal spur: a review of anatomy, histology, etiology and key associations.J Anat. 2017;230(6):743-751. doi:10.1111%2Fjoa.12607American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Bunions.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ortho Virginia.Arthritis of the big toe (hallux rigidus): What are my treatment options?American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Ganglion cyst.Spire Healthcare.Ganglion cyst.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Gout.University Foot and Ankle Institute.Bursitis of the foot.Kirkpatrick J, Yassaie O, Mirjalili SA.The plantar calcaneal spur: a review of anatomy, histology, etiology and key associations.J Anat. 2017;230(6):743-751. doi:10.1111%2Fjoa.12607American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Bunions.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Ortho Virginia.Arthritis of the big toe (hallux rigidus): What are my treatment options?American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Ganglion cyst.Spire Healthcare.Ganglion cyst.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Gout.University Foot and Ankle Institute.Bursitis of the foot.Kirkpatrick J, Yassaie O, Mirjalili SA.The plantar calcaneal spur: a review of anatomy, histology, etiology and key associations.J Anat. 2017;230(6):743-751. doi:10.1111%2Fjoa.12607American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Bunions.
Ortho Virginia.Arthritis of the big toe (hallux rigidus): What are my treatment options?
American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Ganglion cyst.
Spire Healthcare.Ganglion cyst.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Gout.
University Foot and Ankle Institute.Bursitis of the foot.
Kirkpatrick J, Yassaie O, Mirjalili SA.The plantar calcaneal spur: a review of anatomy, histology, etiology and key associations.J Anat. 2017;230(6):743-751. doi:10.1111%2Fjoa.12607
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Bunions.
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