(866) 552-4866 Foot pain is something Josh* has never had to worry about. Whether it was his daily running route, hiking with his siblings, or playing volleyball barefoot, his feet never let him down. In fact, he has often joked with family and friends that his feet are indestructible. Sadly, he has not been saying that in recent months. What started as a visible bump near his big toe turned into something very painful that he couldn't quite explain. Additionally, he has developed a few small lesions on the bottom of his right foot. After visiting his general doctor, he learned the bump was a bunion, and the fleshy growth on his right foot was a plantar wart. The good news was that both were treatable with the right approach and help from a qualified podiatrist.
While many people may hear the terms "bunion" and "plantar wart" and mistakenly believe they are one and the same, the truth is that they are entirely different conditions. Understanding their causes, symptoms, and when to seek professional care can prevent long-term issues and get active adults like Josh back to feeling indestructible.
Is your foot pain the result of a bunion or plantar wart? Request an appointment with a StrideCare podiatrist today. Our collaborative approach ensures you receive the support you need.
What Is This Bony and Painful Bump on My Toe?
That bony bump at the base of your big toe is called a bunion. They are one of the most common foot problems among U.S. adults; in fact, it is estimated that roughly one in five Americans has one to some degree. We say "degree" because many people do not experience pain from their bunions—at least at first. It may simply be a cosmetic annoyance. However, others do, and the amount of pain can vary from person to person.
What we do know is that living with a bunion on your toe can impact every step you take. They tend to develop when the big toe starts to angle toward the second toe. This can occur over time due to ill-fitting shoes that cause repeated micro-trauma. It can also occur due to repeated injuries and genetic factors. Regardless, as this happens, a noticeable bump begins to form at the base of the toe.
Over time, this structural shift in the foot can lead to a host of symptoms and appearance changes, including:
- A noticeable and painful bump on the outside of the base of your big toe
- Ongoing pain that comes and goes
- Swelling and redness around the big toe joint
- Signs of corns and calluses where the first and second toes rub together
- Hard skin on the sole of the foot
- Difficulty finding shoes that fit well
- Stiffness or limited movement of the big toe
- Difficulty walking on the affected foot
"That bony bump at the base of your big toe is called a bunion. They are one of the most common foot problems among U.S. adults; in fact, it is estimated that roughly one in five Americans has one to some degree."
Bunions are far more common in women than in men, though men are certainly not immune. Furthermore, bunions are also more common over the age of 40. The good news is that a podiatrist encounters patients with bunions every day and has treatment options available, depending on the severity of the condition.
This includes everything from simple footwear modifications to surgical intervention. Recognizing bunion symptoms early can help you explore treatment options that may prevent worsening pain. Generally speaking, our podiatrists at StrideCare will employ the following approach to your bunion diagnosis and treatment.
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Custom orthotics and padding
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Bunion surgery
How a Plantar Wart Is Different
A plantar wart is small, rough-textured growth that usually appears on the soles, heels, toes, and weight-bearing areas of the foot. While they are not necessarily harmful to your health, they are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions. This common virus thrives in warm, moist environments, such as public swimming pools, locker rooms, and communal showers, making those areas common places for infection. Individuals who frequently walk barefoot in these environments are at risk for plantar warts.
Unlike a bunion, a plantar wart is contagious and can spread. But just like bunions, they can be very painful, albeit for different reasons, as they cause constant tenderness and irritation in your feet and toes—especially when standing or walking for any period.
Plantar warts are common. Approximately 10% of people have plantar warts. Between 10% and 20% of children and teenagers have a plantar wart. Symptoms and appearance changes of a plantar wart can include any of the following:
- Rough, grainy growths on the soles, heels, or toes
- Discoloration (dark pink, yellow, brown, purple, or gray)
- Pain or tenderness when applying pressure to the affected area
- Small black dots (clotted blood vessels) on the wart
- Multiple warts forming in clusters
- Bleeding
- Persistent warts that do not improve with over-the-counter treatments
"Plantar warts are common. Approximately 10% of people have plantar warts. Between 10% and 20% of children and teenagers have a plantar wart."
Over-the-counter treatments may help, but deep or recurring warts often need professional removal. When visiting a podiatrist, plantar warts can be removed through treatments such as topical solutions, cryotherapy, laser therapy, or minor surgery. Seeking professional care is recommended for effective and safe removal of warts.
Treatment time varies based on the wart's size and location, but most treatments require a few sessions to ensure complete removal. Our team can provide a timeline after evaluating your case.
Foot care is essential to limit the impact bunions and plantar warts have on your life. If you want to discuss your treatment options, schedule an appointment with StrideCare's expert podiatric physicians.
How To Reduce Your Chances of Bunions and Plantar Warts
- Wear properly fitted shoes (wide toe box and good arch support)
- Avoid wearing high heels and pointy shoes for long periods
- Use orthotic shoe inserts if you have flat feet or structural issues
- Lose weight, thus reducing pressure on your feet
- Take breaks from standing too long or during strenuous activities
- Ask your podiatrist for a stretching treatment plan and physical therapy to improve flexibility
- Keep your feet clean and dry
- Don't ignore cuts or scrapes on your feet
- Avoid sharing socks, shoes, or foot care tools
- Wear shower shoes in public restrooms, gyms, and pool areas
A StrideCare Podiatrist Can Treat Your Bunions and Plantar Warts
We all experience pain at times, especially in our feet. Sometimes, that can lead to conditions such as bunions and plantar warts. When these situations pop up, please do not suffer in silence. If the condition persists, you have a wealth of options when it comes to a StrideCare podiatrist near you. With over 50 StrideCare clinic locations finding an experienced, qualified podiatrist near you is easier than ever. A consultation with one of our podiatrists can determine the type, severity, and location of your foot pain issues.
Our expert doctors and caring staff utilize the latest technologies and treatments to help our patients reclaim their lives. Please contact us at 866-552-4866 or complete the appointment form to schedule a consultation. At StrideCare, we are here to help, all while providing compassionate patient care.
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Before starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.
StrideCare serves North Texas and South Texas communities, including Rowlett, Royce City, San Antonio, Sherman, South Dallas, Southlake, Stone Oak, Sugar Land, Sulphur Springs, The Woodlands, Waxahachie, Webster, Addison, Allen, Anna, Arlington, Austin, Carrollton, Celina, Clear Lake, Craig Ranch, Dallas, Euless, Flower Mound, Forney, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Houston, Irving, Katy, Kaufman, Mansfield, McKinney, Mesquite, Midland, North Dallas, Odessa, Paris, Pecos, Plano, Prosper, Rockwall, Round Rock, and more.
*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.