Bunions + Lapiplasty

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Bunions

Up to 1 in 3 Americans have bunions –– hard, swollen bumps that form on the outside edge of the big toe. Bunions can be extremely painful due to the weight of all your body resting on it each time you take a step. Everyday activities, such as walking and wearing shoes, can cause you extreme discomfort if you have a bunion. Dr. Hendrix offers various treatments for bunions, including orthotics, prescription shoes, and Lapiplasty. 

A bunion is a swollen lump that forms on the outer edge of the joint at the base of your big toe. Bunions occur when the bones at the front of your foot change position because of an unusual gait (the way you walk) or an abnormal foot shape. While anyone can experience a bunion, they’re most common in women.

The common symptoms of bunions include:

  • Bulging bump near your big toe’s base
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Soreness
  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Ongoing pain
  • Limited big toe movement
  • Reduced mobility 

As the condition worsens, your big toe might even become locked in a bent position (hammer toe). When left untreated, painful bunions can cause fluid-filled pads near joint tissues, swelling and pain at the ball of your foot, and hammertoe pressure and discomfort.

Make an appointment with Dr. Hendrix if you have a red or swollen big toe and it doesn’t respond to at-home treatments, such as ice, rest, or anti-inflammatory medication. That’s especially true if the bunion affects your ability to work or exercise.

Oftentimes you can tell whether or not a bunion is present based on appearance.

To formally diagnose a bunion, Dr. Hendrix will review your medical records and ask about the bunion, including when you first noticed it, if it’s changed size, and if it’s painful.

Next, Dr. Hendrix examines the bunion. He will look at your toes and the ball of your foot for redness, swelling, and bruising. Then, order digital imaging, like X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI, to check for bone damage and to assess the alignment of your big toe joint.

The treatment of a bunion depends on various things, including your age, lifestyle, and the bunion’s size. Dr. Hendrix usually recommends a minimally invasive approach, including:

  • Bunion pads or taping
  • Wearing shoes with wide toe boxes
  • Custom orthotics
  • Taking anti-inflammatory medication
  • Physical therapy
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Lapiplasty® 

If non-surgical treatments don’t provide lasting relief, surgery might be recommended. Dr. Hendrix performs a type of minimally invasive bunion surgery called Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™.

 

If you struggle with bunion pain and want relief, Dr. Hendrix offers a cutting-edge solutions. He provides Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction with a shorter recovery time and lower risk of complications compared to traditional bunion surgery.

Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction

A bunion is a bony protrusion that usually appears at the base of your big toe. About one-third of adults in the United States experience bunions. Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction uses innovative 3D technology to correct the alignment of a bunion and secure unstable tissues, helping you get back on your feet quickly.

The benefits of choosing Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction include:

  • Low recurrence rates
  • Effective bunion correction
  • More stable foot foundation 
  • Normal bone alignment
  • Stronger, less painful joint
  • Short recover time

After undergoing Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction, you can get back on your feet soon wearing just a boot, as downtime is minimal. 

Dr. Hendrix will establish if you’re a candidate for Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction after discussing your symptoms and medical history, examining your feet and toes, and looking at the results of X-rays when necessary. 

 

You don’t always need surgery. Other treatment options for bunions include ice packs, footwear changes, medications, orthotics, and bunion padding.

During Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction surgery, Dr. Hendrix first numbs the treatment area to make sure you feel no discomfort. He will then make a tiny incision, remove swollen tissues from the affected toe joint, and straighten the toe by realigning one or more bones. 

Before closing your incisions, Dr. Hendrix secures the joint into its ideal alignment using titanium plating technology.

After you undergo Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction, you can usually walk within 48 hours wearing  a protective boot. You can plan to wear your favorite comfortable footwear after several weeks. After the affected joint fully heals, you may resume exercise and play sports as directed by your podiatrist.

 

To learn more about Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction and find out if it’s right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hendrix.

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