When a person experiences chronic bunion pain, the simplest activity can be a source of great pain and frustration. Going for a leisurely walk (let alone even more strenuous activity) becomes a thing of the past — as does wearing a favorite pair of shoes for a special occasion. Eventually, no matter how much a person tries to relieve their pain, whether by regular ingestion of over-the-counter NSAID medication, resting their foot, or wearing different shoes, the bunion pain sufferer finds their daily scope of activities becoming increasingly limited. Read on as we tackle the latest in bunion surgery.
How Does a Bunion Form?
Many people assume the toe joint where a bunion forms is the main culprit that needs to be addressed. But the real problem begins with joint instability somewhat near the middle of the foot, at the base of the first metatarsal bone. As the joint becomes unstable, the adjoining base of the metatarsal bone turns inward. As the base of the bone turns inward, the upper portion of the metatarsal bone where the foot begins to meet the toes rotates outward to form a noticeable bump. In addition, the metatarsal bone often elevates upward. Thus, putting additional stress on adjacent foot/toe structures, somewhat like a chair resting on three legs instead of four. The upper toe area above the bunion also turns inward, leading to abnormal pressure on adjacent toes. This abnormal pressure on adjacent structures, causes even more pain, discomfort, and potentially even further deformity.
Traditional Bunion Surgery Falls Short of Expectations
When someone has tried every conservative method of treatment available without success, their next step usually involves turning to surgery for a solution. Traditional bunion surgery involves cutting off the protruding (bunion) portion of the toe bone and shifting the remaining upper portion of the toe back into place. Unfortunately, this type of surgery only addresses the cosmetic symptoms associated with a bunion. It doesn’t address the instability of the first metatarsal joint, which is the root cause of bunion formation. The instability of the joint was never addressed. So the chances of a bunion reoccurring in the same area at a later date, are fairly high.
A New Type of Bunion Surgery
Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction is an exciting new type of surgery. It addresses the root cause of the development of bunions. This minimally invasive bunion surgery solves the issue of instability that causes a bunion to appear in the first place. It secures the unstable joint and returns the foot and toe areas to normal alignment. Patients who choose the Lapiplasty 3D bunion correction surgery over traditional surgery can look forward to a pain-free and active lifestyle once again. They can also look forward to the freedom to wear any type of footwear they desire.
How Does Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction Work?
Unlike traditional bunion surgery, which merely focuses on cosmetics by cutting away the protruding portion of the bone, then pushing the top portion of the toe back into place, Lapiplasty surgery uses specially designed instruments that push and rotate the protruding bone back into its normal alignment and position. After correcting the misalignment, the Lapiplasty procedure secures the formerly unstable joint by way of two low-profile, titanium plates. Once the base of the metatarsal joint is secure, the upper portion of the metatarsal bone falls naturally back into place. This eliminates the bunion, i.e., the protrusion. In turn, the rest of the toe structures fall naturally back into place as well. Thus, relieving the pressure on the adjacent toes.
When the entire procedure is complete, the entire toe joint returns to normal alignment, and the outward appearance and shape of the foot and toes appear normal as well. The two titanium plates ensure the metatarsal joint remains securely in place. So the patient can expect their toe joints and bones to remain in alignment for the foreseeable future.
What is Recovery Like After Surgery?
Most patients are very pleased with their post-op recovery period after Lapiplasty 3D bunion correction surgery. Most are able to walk within a few days of surgery. They can put their entire weight on their affected foot with only the assistance of a surgical boot. No foot, toe, or ankle cast is not required. While there is always a little post-op pain and discomfort at the site after any surgery, the entire toe joint is now properly aligned. This means the pain and discomfort associated with the bunion is gone.
After six weeks of using a surgical boot, most patients can expect to begin wearing their normal footwear once again. After four months beyond their surgery date, patients should be able to engage in all manner of activities. This includes sports and other high-impact activities, without fear of experiencing pain near the old bunion site. Since the root cause of the bunion has been addressed, the patient should not expect a recurrence of their old bunion at any point in the future.
Regain Your Former Life
Tired of pain and being unable to enjoy an active lifestyle or wear your favorite shoes? There is an effective solution. Lapiplasty 3D bunion correction is the most advanced, minimally invasive bunion surgery available today. This ground-breaking procedure permanently corrects all the pain and deformity associated with bunions. Its post-op recovery period is far superior to the post-op recovery expectations associated with traditional bunion surgical methods. After Lapiplasty correction surgery, patients can expect to get back on their feet and back into their normal footwear at a much faster rate than with traditional bunion surgery.
Contact Us
Frankel Foot & Ankle offers the latest, most advanced solutions in the treatment of bunions. Dr. Frankel has patient offices in three locations in the tri-state area, including:
If you would like more information on how to resolve the pain, frustration, and disfigurement associated with bunions through the most advanced surgical procedure available today, there’s a podiatrist near you who can help. Please call today for an appointment at one of our convenient locations.
