3-D bunion surgery available through Hendrick Clinic Podiatry

Bunions are more than a cosmetic issue of a bony bump that develops at the lower side of the big toe. The condition can be painful with each step of the affected foot.

Hendrick Health is now offering an innovative surgical procedure intended to address the root cause of the condition. Traditional approaches involved cutting and shifting the top of the metatarsal bone. The newer lapiplasty procedure allows physicians to secure the unstable foundation by correcting the metatarsal bone, returning it to normal alignment.

An estimated 25% of Americans develop bunions, and approximately 70% of the time individuals with bunions experience pain while walking, said Dr. Nadia Hussain, a podiatrist with Hendrick Clinic Podiatry.

A bunion develops with an abnormal shift of the metatarsal bone connected to the big toe. The cause can be three-dimensional, with the bone leaning sideways, elevating upward and rotating.

“The lapiplasty procedure has a 90% chance of the bunion not reappearing for the patient,” said Dr. Hussain.

Bunions tend to be genetic, possibly due to weak tendons and ligaments, but tight shoes with pointed toes or high heels can exacerbate the condition.

“A person should seek treatment for bunions as soon as pain begins,” said Dr. Hussain.

Initial treatments can include conservative approaches, such as medications to manage the pain. Correcting the condition, however, involves surgery.

Patients’ most common question about lapiplasty concerns recovery time. Following is a general timeline:

• Immediately after surgery: No weight on the foot, and no driving.
• Two weeks: Patient fitted with boot for limited weight-bearing movement.
• Four to six weeks: Patient walks in boot and returns to light duties.
• Six to eight weeks: Patient returns to comfortable shoes. May resume driving, if cleared by physician.
• Four to six months: Patient resumes most activities.

To learn more about treatment for bunions and other foot conditions, visit Hendrick Clinic Podiatry at hendrickclinic.com/podiatry.