6 Common Foot Conditions People Often Mistake For A Bunion - Advanced Footcare (2024)

FAQs

What can be mistaken for a bunion? ›

Elliott Perel sees many patients who've developed bunions, not just from stress, but also from other causes, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Treat conditions such as: bone disorders, bunions, corns, calluses, cysts, heel spurs, infections, ingrown nails, and plantar fasciitis.

Bunions can cause related problems including: Bursitis: Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions the bones of the joint). When a bunion forms, the bursa becomes irritated and painful. Arthritis: Bunions can cause the bones of the foot to rub at uncomfortable angles.

Wearing narrow or pointed shoes that crowd your toes (shoes with a narrow toe box). The way you walk (your foot mechanics). Health conditions that cause inflammation (like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus).

Rheumatoid arthritis.

Having this inflammatory condition can make you more likely to develop bunions.

A likely explanation for the pain and discomfort experienced by patients with bunions is entrapment neuropathy.

Known as a chronic autoimmune disease, lupus and its symptoms are similar to that of arthritis, affecting the tissues in the joints and leading to various problems in the feet including bunions, claw toes, and hammertoes.

What is wet feet syndrome? ›

Topic: Wet Feet

By definition, it is an abnormal glandular condition resulting in an excessive accumulation of moisture or perspiration on the skin. These patients will often come into the office complaining of excessive foot odors, skin discolorations, rashes, and concern over frequently having wet or moist socks.

Morton neuroma, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinopathy are among the most common painful foot and ankle conditions.

Going barefoot is ideal in the beginning stages of bunions. When barefoot, the joints of the toes will get stronger, an important part of good foot health.

Soaking your feet in the water a few times a week can help reduce pain and inflammation. You can also add Epsom salt in warm water. The magnesium in salt can help stave off soreness and soothe your bunion.

Vicks VapoRub

Sounds crazy, right? But, according to the NIH, menthol and camphor — two of the active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub — may help soothe inflamed joints and muscles by acting as a topical anesthetic. Treating bunions with Vicks may provide temporary, superficial pain relief.

Big Toe Joint Arthritis

One of the hallmarks of this foot condition is Hallux rigidus which causes bone spurs to develop in the joint. This deformity leads to inflammation and irritation of the skin, making the bump resemble more like a bunion.

Bursitis. Bursitis results from the bursae (small, fluid-filled sacs) cushioning the muscles, tendons, and bones around your joints becoming inflamed. This often happens at the base of the toe when it is repeatedly irritated. It is often mistaken for a bunion because it is painful, swollen, and red.

Gout may be mistaken for a bunion because one of the most noticeable gout symptoms is a red, painful swelling around the big toe joint. However, unlike bunions, which form over a long period and gradually produce pain, gout often generates sudden and sharp pains.

Bunions and bone spurs are two of the most frequently encountered deformities in the feet. Bunions appear as a noticeable bump at the base of the big toe joint, while bone spurs are bony protrusions that develop on the surface of a bone.