Gout vs. Bunion — What's the Difference?

Managed through diet and medication.

A bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe.

A type of arthritis caused by an excess of uric acid.

Caused by misaligned toe bones.

Often associated with sudden, severe attacks.

Often requires surgical correction in severe cases.

An inflammatory condition affecting joints.

Exacerbated by narrow, tight footwear.

Related to metabolic disorders.

Can lead to other toe deformities.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by recurrent attacks of a red, tender, hot, and swollen joint. Pain typically comes on rapidly, reaching maximal intensity in less than 12 hours.

A bunion, also known as hallux valgus, is a deformity of the joint connecting the big toe to the foot. The big toe often bends towards the other toes and the joint becomes red and painful.

A disturbance of uric-acid metabolism occurring chiefly in males, characterized by painful inflammation of the joints, especially of the feet and hands, and arthritic attacks resulting from elevated levels of uric acid in the blood and the deposition of urate crystals around the joints. The condition can become chronic and result in deformity.

A painful, inflamed swelling of the bursa at the first joint of the big toe, characterized by enlargement of the joint and lateral displacement of the toe.

A large blob or clot

(pathology) A bump or bulge on the first joint of the big toe caused by the swelling of a sac of fluid under the skin.

An extremely painful inflammation of joints, especially of the big toe, caused by a metabolic defect resulting in the accumulation of uric acid in the blood and the deposition of urates around the joints.

Hallux valgus, deviation of the big toe from its normal position towards the other toes, the prime cause for the swelling of its first joint.

A spurt or splotch.

Same as Bunyon.

(rare) A disease of wheat and cornstalks, caused by insect larvae.

A painful swelling of the bursa of the first joint of the big toe

(obsolete) taste; relish

(intransitive) To spurt.

A drop; a clot or coagulation.

A constitutional disease, occurring by paroxysms. It consists in an inflammation of the fibrous and ligamentous parts of the joints, and almost always attacks first the great toe, next the smaller joints, after which it may attack the greater articulations. It is attended with various sympathetic phenomena, particularly in the digestive organs. It may also attack internal organs, as the stomach, the intestines, etc. It is an inherited disease of purine metaboism, which causes an increased level of uric acid in the blood, and leads to deposition of crystals of sodium urate in cartilage within joints and in connective tissue. It can be alleviated by a diet low in purines, and is treated by drugs which block formation of uric acid.

A disease of cornstalks. See Corn fly, under Corn.

Taste; relish.

A painful inflammation of the big toe and foot caused by defects in uric acid metabolism resulting in deposits of the acid and its salts in the blood and joints

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the blood.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint where the big toe meets the foot.

Gout attacks can be triggered by consuming high-purine foods, alcohol, or dehydration.

Gout causes sudden severe pain and swelling, typically in the big toe, while a bunion is a visible bump that forms slowly.

No, gout and bunions are caused by different underlying factors; gout does not lead to bunions.

Yes, a diet low in purines, avoiding alcohol, and ensuring hydration can help manage gout.

Specific foot exercises can help manage symptoms, but they will not correct the bunion itself.

While gout is treatable with medications and lifestyle changes, it is a chronic condition.

Bunion surgery is not always necessary; less severe cases can be managed with appropriate footwear and orthotics.

Preventing a bunion involves wearing properly fitting shoes and managing any predisposing foot conditions.

While primarily affecting joints, gout can also cause kidney stones and impact other health areas.

While not entirely preventable, reducing risk factors like wearing narrow, constrictive shoes can help.

Long-term effects of gout include chronic pain, joint damage, and potential kidney problems.

Long-term effects include chronic pain, difficulty walking, and potential for other toe deformities.

Gout is rare in children but can occur, mainly in those with familial predispositions; bunions are also uncommon but can develop, especially if other family members have them.