April suffered from bunion pain in both of her feet for nearly a decade. But, given her busy schedule taking care of two growing children, the idea of undergoing bunion correction surgery (which is often associated with a lengthy recovery) seemed impossible. “Between the kids’ school, extracurricular activities, my husband’s work schedule, and my own appointments – I didn’t have time to be off my feet. I just took Tylenol regularly and would avoid any shoe, heel, or winter boot that might pinch my toes,” the 47- year-old Texas resident explained. Shoe choices were difficult enough due to pain, but additionally, April also avoided wearing flip-flops or attending social settings where her bare feet would be on display, because she was also embarrassed by the appearance of her bunion. When the pain in her foot intensified – often so severe it would keep her up at night — eventually, her husband urged her to see a doctor to discuss surgical options.
“I went to a podiatrist who recommended a traditional 2D osteotomy, but I did not feel very comfortable with that doctor,” April said. She spoke with her friends about her struggle and learned that, surprisingly, many of them also once suffered from bunion pain. They recommended she speak with Dr. Thomas Pignetti at Advanced Foot Care in The Woodlands about a new technology he used which might aid in speeding the recovery process. Eager to learn more, April made an appointment.
Dr. Pignetti made April feel at ease from the very start of her appointment. He took time to explain what causes bunions and how he might return her feet to natural alignment. Dr. Pignetti recommended the Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ Procedure which would address the true root cause of her bunion; an unstable joint in the middle of her foot. The Lapiplasty® Procedure would return the entire metatarsal bone to natural alignment and secure the unstable joint permanently. He explained, traditional 2D bunion surgery focused more on correcting the cosmetic “bump” rather than targeting the root cause of a bunion, ensuring the bunion had a high chance of returning. “If I was going to have bunion surgery, I wanted the best chance I could have to not go through a second surgery. I cannot imagine having to undergo surgery again, if my bunion returned. I wanted it fixed right the first time.” April explained.
April underwent Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ on her right foot in September 2018, then returned to have her left foot treated in December 2018. In both cases, she was in and out of the hospital the same day, although her recovery experience was slightly different both times. “After my first surgery on the right foot, I tried to stay off it for about two weeks. I was being very cautious and was not quite sure what to expect.” She continued, “But, I felt like a seasoned veteran by the time we addressed the left foot. I was walking in a surgical boot only four days after surgery!”
April now reflects on the ten years she spent living in pain and wishes she would have acted sooner. “You hear these horror stories about people who had traditional bunion corrections, but I want people to know that this was not even close to the painful process I thought it would be.” Since her surgery, April has recommended Dr. Pignetti to others and says that for the first time in years she is looking forward to shedding her winter boots and sliding into a pair of flip-flops.
Only a surgeon can tell if Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ is right for you. As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary and this experience is unique and specific to this patient only. There are potential risks with surgery and recovery takes time. Potential risks include, but are not limited to: infection, discomfort from the presence of the implant, loosening of the implant, and loss of correction with nonunion or malunion.
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*The “Am I a Candidate” assessment should only be completed by patients over the age of 18 or by a parent/legal guardian. This tool does not provide medical advice. This tool is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a trained Lapiplasty® doctor can determine if you are an appropriate candidate for Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® surgery. Please consult with your doctor to determine if Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® surgery is right for your specific condition. Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® surgery is indicated for patients 12 years of age and older. As with any medical treatment, there are risks and recovery takes time. For a complete list of risks, see the Patient Risk Information. For more info on recovery times, see Recovery. For information about how we handle your information, please see our Privacy Policy. By submitting your information and clicking I agree, you consent to receive information about the Lapiplasty® Procedure by email, text, phone, or via online advertising and to our use of your information as described in our Privacy Policy. We will handle your information and communicate with you as stated in our Privacy Policy. See the Privacy Policy for instructions for opting out of receiving automated text messages and phone calls containing marketing materials regarding the Lapiplasty® Procedure.
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This tool is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a trained Lapiplasty® doctor can determine if you are an appropriate candidate for Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® surgery.
This tool is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a trained Lapiplasty® doctor can determine if you are an appropriate candidate for Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® surgery.
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Bunion Pain Can Worsen Without Treatment1
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Unfortunately, you are not a candidate for Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction®.
Based on your responses, you are not a candidate for Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction®. Lapiplasty® is indicated for treatment of bunions (also known as Hallux Valgus) - a bump found at the base of the big toe. If you do not suffer from a bunion, then Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® is not for you. We wish you good health!
Still think you might be experiencing pain from a bunion?
Here are 5 symptoms to look out for that could make Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® a good option for you:
- You're seeing a visual "bump" at the base of your big toe.
- Shoes that once fit comfortably now feel too tight or painful to wear.
- You experience frequent numbness or tightness in your big toe.
- Pain or swelling increases when you stand for long periods of time.
- You struggle or are unable to bend your big toe without feeling pain or a burning sensation.
Here are some helpful resources to help you learn more about bunions and your treatment options:
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