Celebrating National Bunion Day™

I realized I had bunions a few years ago when my big toe started to turn inward quite a bit and a hammertoe developed on my second toe. As a long-time Ironman® triathlete and marathon runner, I tried to push through the pain. At first, I was reluctant to seek treatment out of fear that it might end my running career. My foot pain got significantly worse over time, and it became clear that I was nearing the end of my running career. Unable to accept the fate of hanging up my running shoes, I decided to find a treatment option that would allow me to return to my favorite pastime.

Almost 25% of American adults suffer from bunions regardless of their gender, shoe choice or lifestyle[1]. Bunions are characterized by a bump on the side of the big toe and develop when the bones in the mid-foot shift out of alignment, leading to pain that worsens over time[2]. The condition runs in families – both my grandparents lived with the condition[3],[4].

Over the past few years, I have spoken about my experience dealing with bunion pain and the treatment options that are available for the condition. April 15 marks the second annual U.S. National Bunion Day™. The day serves to raise awareness of bunions, dismantle the stigma surrounding the condition and promote educational initiatives regarding the latest treatment options available.

I first learned about Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® one day at my son’s soccer game when another parent noticed my foot and suggested I consider the procedure. The approach addresses the root cause of bunions by correcting the deformity in all three dimensions, repositioning the unstable bones in the foot, and securing them in place[5],[6]. After doing my own research, I consulted with Dr. Hiram Carrasquillo at the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute, who performed the surgery on my left foot in December 2019.

What set the Lapiplasty® Procedure apart for me was its comprehensive approach to addressing the underlying issue of bunions. This technique offered a solution that made sense to me and gave me confidence that I would be able to run again.

Two months after undergoing the Lapiplasty® Procedure, I was able to start wearing comfortable tennis shoes[7]. By four months post-surgery, I received clearance for physical activities[8]. At nine months post-op, I was back to long-distance running[9]. Today, I can wear a variety of running shoes that previously didn’t fit me. Outside of marathon running, I’m able to spend more time being active with my family and I feel at ease knowing that I no longer have to deal with pain caused by bunions.

As National Bunion Day™ approaches, I’m grateful for the treatment option that allowed me to return to my favorite hobby without pain. By sharing my experience, I hope to raise awareness of effective treatment options and empower others with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Take a moment to learn more about this common condition and the treatment options that could help. Whether through your own research or a conversation with your doctor, taking action to address your bunions can make all the difference.

Only a surgeon can tell if the Lapiplasty® Procedure is right for you. This experience is unique and specific to this patient only. Individual results may vary depending on age, weight, health, and other variables. There are risks and recovery takes time. For more information about recovery from the Lapiplasty® Procedure, see the recovery information and discuss the post-surgery recovery process with your doctor. Risks include infection, pain, implant loosening and loss of correction with improper bone healing. For more information on benefits, risks and recovery, visit Lapiplasty.com.

[1] Nix S, et al. J Foot Ankle Res. 2010. 27:3:21.

[2] American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) Website ©2024.

[3] American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) Website ©2024.

[4] WebMD Website ©2024.

[5] Dayton P, et al. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2016. 55:567-71.

[6] Dayton P, et al. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2018. 57:766-770.

[7] Based on surgeon experience in their practice.

[8] Based on surgeon experience in their practice.

[9] Based on surgeon experience in their practice.