When you’re limited in your activities because of a painful bunion, Omar D. Hussamy, MD, can help. At his orthopedic surgery office in Vero Beach, Florida, Dr. Hussamy focuses on realigning your toe joint to correct the painful deformity. He also works with you on necessary lifestyle changes, such as wearing wider shoes, to prevent the return of a bunion. If conservative care isn’t enough to treat your bunion pain, call or request a consultation online today.

What is a bunion?

A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the base of your big toe joint. Bunions tend to develop gradually due to pressure on your joint that forces your big toe toward your second toe.

Wearing shoes that are too tight or too narrow is the most common cause of the pressure on your toe joint. This pressure can ultimately change the structure of your bone and lead to a painful deformity that interferes with your mobility.

You may also be at increased risk for developing a bunion due to your family history or if you have rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.

What are the symptoms of a bunion?

The hallmark symptom of a bunion is a visible bump that develops on the inside of your foot. You may also experience symptoms like:

  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Tenderness
  • Restricted movement in your toe
  • Callused skin on the bottom of your foot

If a bunion makes it difficult for you to walk, you should schedule a diagnostic evaluation with Dr. Hussamy and the team to find out if you’re a candidate for bunion surgery.

Why would I need bunion surgery?

Initially, treatment for a painful bunion involves wearing wider shoes and using orthotics to relieve pressure on your toe joint. If you still have pain or the deformity is severe, you may need bunion surgery.

What happens during bunion surgery?

Bunion surgery is an outpatient procedure that focuses on correcting the deformity in your foot by realigning your big toe joint. In many cases, Dr. Hussamy makes small cuts in your bone to realign your joint. He may use pins or plates to hold the bone in place while you heal.

If you have overly tight tissues around your big toe that pull the joint out of alignment, Dr. Hussamy can cut them to prevent a worsening of your condition.

If your joint is damaged, you may need a procedure to remove the damaged parts. This type of bunion surgery is an option if you have severe arthritis or if you had a previous bunion surgery that wasn’t successful.

What happens after bunion surgery?

Following your surgery, you spend a brief period in recovery before you can go home to rest. You’ll wear a brace for several weeks to stabilize your toe joint and help it heal fully.

If you have a painful bunion that may require surgery, schedule a consultation by calling Omar D. Hussamy, MD, or requesting an appointment online today.