Freeing Myself from Bunion Pain Through the Lapiplasty® Procedure

I had trouble with my feet for years before discovering I had a bunion. Before retiring, I worked as an administrative assistant in a school district in Newville, PA, while coaching field hockey and track and field. I am an avid walker, but the pain in my feet caused by bunions became too much for me. I was often forced to ice my feet on the couch.

Bunions are a painful and progressive deformity that occurs when bones in the mid-foot slide out of place. Common beliefs that only women can get bunions or that they are caused by wearing high heels are false[1],[2]. About 25% of U.S. American adults suffer from the condition and it often runs in families[3],[4]. Many individuals have seen their everyday routines disrupted by bunion pain[5],[6].

I didn’t know that I had bunions right away, but I knew there was something wrong with my feet. My feet looked deformed, and the bone was sticking out of the side of my foot.

My pain was becoming unbearable, and I was unable to keep shoes on for any length of time. I consider myself to be an upbeat person, but it was frustrating to not be able to do my usual tasks.

I connected with a woman at my church who also struggled with bunions. She mentioned that she underwent Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® and told me about her experience. After speaking with her, I decided to call the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and discovered that Dr. Rebekah Richards would be available to examine me.

I met with Dr. Richards in June 2023. She took one look at my feet and agreed that we needed to do something. She took x-rays of my foot and answered my questions about the Lapiplasty® Procedure. After the initial consultation, the surgery for my right foot was scheduled for the following month. In July 2023, I underwent the Lapiplasty® Procedure on my right foot.

Thanks to medication, rest and ice upon recommendation of my doctor, I felt in control of my recovery. I followed my doctor’s instructions and remained non-weightbearing for about three days before walking in a surgical boot for about six weeks[7],[8]. Dr. Richards cleared me to wear regular sneakers at six weeks post-op and three months after the procedure, I was cleared for physical activity[9]. In early November 2023, I had the procedure done on my left foot and followed the same recovery instructions[10].

Since recovering, I have been quick to give advice to others who are considering the Lapiplasty® Procedure. My brother is thinking about getting his bunions treated. I told him it’s always important to listen to your doctor’s instructions. By doing so, I found my recovery to be straightforward.

Lapiplasty is a surgical procedure. Individual results may vary depending on age, weight, health and other variables. This experience is unique and specific to this patient only. There are risks and recovery takes time. Risks include infection, pain, implant loosening and loss of correction with improper bone healing. If any of these occur, additional treatments may be needed. For more information on benefits, risks and recovery, visit Lapiplasty.com.

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

[2] WebMD Website ©2024.

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

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

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

[6] WebMD Website ©2024.

[7] Ray J, et al. Foot Ankle Int. 2019 Aug;40(8):955-960.

[8] Dayton P, et al. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2019. 58:427-433.

[9] Based on surgeon experience in their practice.

[10] Based on surgeon experience in their practice.