Finding Freedom from Bunion Pain with Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction

When I'm not working as a preschool teacher, like many 27-year-olds, I enjoy going on a run or working out at the gym. I first noticed that I was developing bunions on both feet when I was still in high school. They didn’t bother me at first, but eventually, I began experiencing constant pain in my feet.

Bunions are a common condition that affect almost 25% of American adults[1]. They develop when bones in the mid-foot slide out of alignment, which causes pain that often progresses in severity over time and a noticeable bump on the side of the big toe[2]. While I didn’t know of any relatives that also struggled with bunions, the condition frequently runs in families[3].

When I first joined my gym in August 2023, I knew I needed to do something about my bunions due to the increasing pain in my feet. I noticed that the more active I became, the more pain I was in. I usually didn’t have pain in the morning, but over the course of each day, the constant pain in my foot became impossible to ignore. I felt embarrassed to wear open-toed shoes and was self-conscious about people noticing my feet because I did not know many people around my age that struggled with bunions. I decided to do something about my bunion pain.

When I started looking into treatment options for my bunions, I discovered Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® and connected with Dr. Andrea Cass at the Foot and Ankle Reconstruction of Georgia. Dr. Cass explained that the Lapiplasty® Procedure would realign my big toe and address my bunion at its root cause[4],[5]. She mentioned that the procedure generally involved a straightforward recovery time and that since I was in my twenties, I would likely bounce back relatively quickly[6]. I underwent the Lapiplasty® Procedure on my left foot on December 8, 2023.

I was surprised at how quickly I was able to return to my active lifestyle after the procedure. As instructed, I stayed off my foot for two weeks before transitioning into a walking boot, which allowed me to bear weight and walk normally[7]. Six weeks post-operation, I was able to remove the boot and switch to a comfortable shoe[8]. Four months after the procedure, I was cleared to return to full activity and wear normal footwear[9].

Since recovering from the Lapiplasty® Procedure on my left foot, I was able to run my first 5k without experiencing any throbbing pain afterward. I am excited to be able to handle high-impact activities.

I was pleased with my experience with the Lapiplasty® Procedure. I would recommend the procedure to anyone dealing with bunions who is a candidate and I appreciate how comfortable Dr. Cass made me feel throughout the process. As I prepare to undergo the Lapiplasty® Procedure on my right foot in the future, I feel confident and reassured, knowing exactly what to expect and how refreshing it will be to finally be free of bunion pain.

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

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

[6] Based on surgeon experience in their practice.

[7] Based on surgeon experience in their practice.

[8] Based on surgeon experience in their practice.

[9] Based on surgeon experience in their practice.