Key Takeaways:
- Most bunion pain can be managed with non-surgical options like proper footwear, orthotics, ice, and medication.
- Traditional surgery can take several months, while LapiplastyⓇ may allow earlier mobility. In all cases, proper rest, gradual activity, and following your doctor’s instructions are key to successful healing.
Bunions occur when the base joints of the big or little toes are too stressed for too long. They can be genetic, but are often caused by wearing tight shoes or by arthritis.
Most of the time, conservative treatments will relieve bunion pain:
- Ice
- Over-the-counter pain medications
- Custom orthotics
- Better-fitting shoes
But if those don’t work, you may need bunion surgery.
What is Bunion Surgery?
Traditional bunion surgery is called a bunionectomy. That’s the removal of the bunion from your foot via one of several methods, depending on the cause of the bunion or its severity:
- Pins or screws are placed into your foot to realign the joint.
- Big toe joint fusion (for severe bunions).
- Shaving of the joint (very rare).
- Removal or rearrangement of tendons, joints, or bones.
Bunionectomies are typically performed with a local anesthetic. In more severe cases, general anesthesia may be recommended.
Signs You Need Bunion Surgery
Your podiatrist may recommend bunion surgery if conservative treatments haven’t worked, or you suffer:
- Severe, persistent foot pain, even when wearing well-fitting shoes or not bearing weight
- Swelling and inflammation in your big toe that doesn’t go away with ice or anti-inflammatory medications
- An increasing deformity in your toe
- Your big toe no longer bends
- Chronic pain and stiffness due to arthritis
- Difficulty walking due to pain
If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your podiatrist as soon as possible.
The LapiplastyⓇ Difference
Bunionectomies are not the only surgical solution for bunions. LapiplastyⓇ is a minimally invasive procedure that can treat bunions at all levels, from mild to severe. It works by correcting and stabilizing the entire bone. Less bone needs to be removed, making healing times quicker and repeat surgery less likely.
Bunion Surgery Recovery Timeline
As with most surgeries, the more complicated the problem, the longer the recovery time will be. Your podiatrist or foot surgeon can give you a general idea of what your recovery timeline will look like based on:
- Any other medical issues you may have.
- The severity of your bunion.
- The cause of your bunion: arthritis, genetics, lifestyle, etc.
- Your lifestyle and daily activities.
There are no hard-and-fast timelines for bunion surgery recovery. Each patient is different, and each surgery is different. The important thing to remember during your recovery is to listen to your doctor and your body. Don’t try to do too much too quickly. And call your doctor immediately if something doesn’t feel right.
Immediately After Surgery
Traditional surgery: Your surgical team will monitor you for a few hours as you come out of anesthesia to make sure your blood pressure and breathing remain stable. Before you’re discharged, you’ll receive written instructions for home care. You can usually go home the same day, but you will need help from another adult and should not drive.
LapiplastyⓇ: Immediately after the surgery, you’ll be monitored for a few hours to make sure your functions remain stable. Once you’re ready to be discharged, you’ll be fitted with a special boot designed to keep your foot safe and help you walk. You can go home the same day, but you will probably need assistance.
Weeks After Surgery
Traditional surgery: You’ll need to wear a surgical shoe or boot for at least a few months after surgery. Your doctor will instruct you to rest and keep the affected foot elevated as much as possible. You can take OTC medications to help with the pain and swelling. It will take about 6 to 12 weeks for your bones to heal enough that you start to resume normal foot function. By that point, you’ll likely be prescribed physical therapy to help regain full functionality.
LapiplastyⓇ: You can immediately start walking with the surgical boot on. Your doctor will probably have you increase the amount of walking a little bit each day or week. By eight weeks, you’ll likely be able to switch from the surgical boot to comfortable walking shoes, such as sneakers.
Months After Surgery
Traditional surgery: Full recovery from a bunionectomy can take up to three months or more. The swelling may last up to nine months. You’ll need at least a few weeks or months of physical therapy to regain full strength and range of motion for your foot.
LapiplastyⓇ: Two months after LapiplastyⓇ , you may be able to resume most regular activities, including low-impact exercises. You may still need physical therapy for several weeks. Many patients can resume high-impact activities, such as jumping or running, within six months.
Is LapiplastyⓇ Worth It?
Only you and your doctor can determine whether the LapiplastyⓇ procedure is worth it. However, most patients prefer the minimally invasive procedure, lower pain levels, and quicker recovery time of LapiplastyⓇ over traditional bunionectomies.
FAQs: Bunion Surgery
Q: What are the risks of bunion surgery?
A: For traditional bunion surgery, risks include:
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Infections
- Numbness
For LapiplastyⓇ surgery, risks include:
- Infections
- Nerve damage
All surgeries come with risks. Discuss these risks with your podiatrist or foot surgeon before agreeing to treatment.
Q: Will insurance cover my bunion surgery?
A: Sometimes. Insurance typically doesn’t cover bunion surgery performed for purely aesthetic reasons. Check with your provider for your specific benefits.
Q: Is LapiplastyⓇ painful?
A: Many patients describe Lapiplasty as uncomfortable, but far less painful than traditional bunionectomies.
Q: When can I resume my normal activities after bunion surgery?
A: After a traditional bunionectomy, you can generally resume normal activities after six months. After LapiplastyⓇ, you can generally resume all normal activities, without a boot, within six months.
April is National Foot Health Awareness Month!
This National Foot Health Awareness Month, don’t ignore foot pain. Whether you’re in Lakeville considering a Lapiplasty® Bunion Treatment or looking for a trusted Kingston Podiatric Surgeon for Lapiplasty, Plymouth Podiatry is here to help.
Contact us or call one of our offices at (866) 536-4446 (Plymouth) or (508) 936-3028 (Raynham) to discuss LapiplastyⓇ bunion surgery and more.