Bunions vs. Bone Spurs: Similarities and Differences

Pain is a symptom of many foot conditions, some having similar presentations. Yet a proper diagnosis is necessary for the correct treatment to take place. Two such similar conditions are bunions and bone spurs.

Continue reading to learn about each one and their key differences.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is a bony bump on the outside of the big toe. It is caused by continuous pressure on the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP), caused by conditions like foot injury, inflammatory arthritis, and more.

Symptoms include pain, redness, and soreness. The pain is generally described as aching in nature, worse after activity, and can progress if not treated.

Complications include worsening pain (burning sensation), stiffness, hammertoe deformity, and corns or calluses.

What Is a Bone Spur?

A bone spur is a bony outgrowth caused by calcium deposition in joints. They can occur on any part of the body—the foot, knee, hip, spine, neck, etc. Generally, bone spurs are asymptomatic until they press on nerves and cause radiating pain.

Bone spurs are caused by osteoarthritis, foot injury, obesity, tight-fitting shoes, and genetics, among others.

How to Diagnose Bunions and Bone Spurs

When bone spurs occur on the big toe, it can be difficult (but not impossible) to differentiate them from one another. To arrive at an accurate diagnosis, you must critically examine the symptoms and presentation.

The most distinct difference is that while bone spurs are bony outgrowths, bunions are bony deformities. Again, while bone spurs occur on top of the big toe and in many other places, bunions occur only on the outside of the big toe.

Also, pain due to bunions is aching and worse after activity, while pain due to bone spurs is radiating in nature and limits activity in the first place.

An X-ray may be a useful way to differentiate between them.