Bunion vs gout: What is the difference between the two bone conditions?  |  Photo Credit: iStock Images

New Delhi: Bone deformities are common, but they can also be scary. While some of them are not as serious as others, treatment and diagnosis for the same are important. Bone health problems can turn into serious issues eventually, leading to diseases such as arthritis or osteoporosis, which can make basic standing, walking, and motor functions difficult.

One of the most common confusions is between bunions and gouts. Both problems occur in the foot, and the similarity between the symptoms of the condition can make one confuse one condition for the other.

Some common symptoms of the two conditions include joint pain, swelling, and problems in motion. However, bunions can lead to bumps on the big toe. However, there are various factors that can help in differentiating the two conditions.

How to tell the difference between bunions and gouts?

One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between a bunion and gout is to differentiate the root cause of the condition you are experiencing. Bunions are mostly caused due to heredity, injury, or congenital deformity. Therefore, certain causing factors of bunions may not be under your control.

Gouts, however, are caused due to accumulation of urate crystalsin any one (or more) of your joints.

Due to the difference in the causes of the conditions, their diagnosis also differs. To diagnose gout, the doctor may have to conduct a blood test, X-ray, ultrasound, urine test, etc. However, to diagnose a bunion, doctors can only conduct an X-ray of the feet to understand and diagnose the bone deformity.

Various medications are used by doctors to treat gouts. Dietary adjustments, exercise, a healthy lifestyle, and losing weight are also recommended as treatments for gout, as they help in motion and relieving pain.

Bunions can also be treated with ice packs, shoe inserts, etc. Bunions are also treated with surgeries in extreme cases. These can include surgically removing bone to straighten the big toe, or removing the tissue from the big toe joint area, etc, depending on the condition.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.

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Bunion vs gout: What is the difference between the two bone conditions? - Times Now