Getting a Fresh Start Without Bunion Pain

I am now a 23-year-old physical therapy student, but I first noticed that my foot was abnormal when I was a junior in high school. I did not know what the bump on the side of my toe was, but when I showed my parents, my mother immediately identified it as a bunion and mentioned that my grandfather also had the deformity. At the start of my senior year of high school, I received a cortisone shot to help alleviate my pain, but I knew that eventually the bunion would have to be surgically treated[1].

Bunions are a common, progressive and painful condition that occurs when bones in the mid-foot slide out of alignment, resulting in a telltale bump on the side of the big toe[2]. The deformity often runs in families and can impact any individual regardless of their gender, shoe choice or lifestyle[3],[4]. In fact, about one in four American adults develop the deformity[5].

I was very involved in extracurricular activities, including high school sports. I played volleyball year-round and was on my school’s basketball team until I had to quit playing because of the pain in my feet. I was embarrassed to show them in public, especially because nobody else my age seemed to have bunions.

After researching treatment options with my parents, I connected with Dr. Paul Dayton at the Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa, who recommended that I undergo Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction®. Dr. Dayton explained that the approach corrects the alignment of the bones in the foot and secures them with a system of patented titanium plates[6],[7]. I knew that the traditional osteotomy came with the potential of being non-weightbearing for six to ten weeks[8],[9]. I opted for the Lapiplasty® Procedure and underwent surgery on my left foot in January 2020. My right foot was corrected with the same approach in May 2020.

The Lapiplasty® Procedure allows most patients to bear weight on their treated foot in a surgical walking boot within two weeks after surgery[10],[11]. Initially, I was nervous about the procedure because I had never had surgery before. But the Lapiplasty® Procedure wasn’t a problem at all. For each foot, Dr. Dayton instructed me to remain non-weight bearing for one week before using a surgical walking boot for six weeks[12]. I was cleared to wear regular footwear at six weeks post-op and return to physical activities within four months after each procedure[13].

With my bunion deformity in the past, I was overjoyed to be able to wear high heels and sandals with ease. I enjoy staying active at the gym and was thankful to return to my usual activities without any concerns about bunion pain.

I have recommended the Lapiplasty® Procedure to friends and family who have considered seeking treatment for their bunions. I’m happy that I had the procedure and have no regrets about the experience. I was finishing high school when I underwent the Lapiplasty® Procedure and wanted to make sure I recovered before starting college. It was perfect timing for me. My life without bunion pain is exceptional.

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

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

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

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

[8] Catanzariti AR, et al. J Foot Ankle Surgery, 1999 38:325-32.

[9] Park CH, Ahn JY, Kim YM, Lee WC. Int Orthop. 2013 Jun;37(6):1085-92.

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

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

[12] Based on surgeon experience in their practice.

[13] Based on surgeon experience in their practice.