Several years ago, 60-year-old Michele transitioned from a job working on the floor of a production plant in favor of a position in a corporate office. Little did she know that her career change would lead to many days spent dealing with excruciating pain in her right foot. Michelle suffered from bunions, which are a bone deformity caused by an unstable joint that progressively worsens over time. Though she had developed bunions in both feet, her previous job allowed her to wear flexible and wide set shoes. Her new position required corporate dress including heeled shoes that rubbed and pinched her bunion so badly that Michele could barely walk a few feet without having to take a break. She explained, “I used to sit at my desk and list all the tasks that required me to stand and walk, including printing and faxing documents and even using the restroom. Then, I would wait until the last second before my deadline and rush to get all those tasks done at once so I could limit the time I spent on my feet.” Michele also kept plush slippers under her desk to wear to help offset pain.
Michele found that she was also making other changes in her life because of bunion pain. She has a passion for motorcycles and regularly takes long drives in her scenic hometown outside Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. When placing her feet on the metal kickstand to park her bike became too painful, she began limiting her time on the road. She also gave up hiking after larger and wider shoes failed to provide the pain-free support she needed. “Years ago, I actually had a bunion on my left foot corrected and the recovery was long and extremely painful,” Michele recalled. “I didn’t want to go through it again, but I also knew I couldn’t live with the pain in my right foot for much longer.” Then, Michele overheard some friends talking about their own bunions and how they had been treated with a new type of bunion surgery, Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™. Michele considered taking action.
Armed with information from her friends, Michele went online to find podiatrists in her area who could help her. She made an appointment with Dr. Seth Steber at Carlisle Foot & Ankle Specialists to learn more about her options. During her visit, he explained how a newly patented procedure – Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ – was different than the 2D osteotomy she had on her left foot. The surgical technique would allow him to correct all three dimensions of her bunion, returning her bone to natural 3D alignment; its proper position. Titanium plates would then be used to secure the previously unstable joint to help reduce the risk that her bunion would return. “All that was well and good, but the selling point for me was the potential for a faster recovery. I thought that would certainly be worthwhile,” Michele said. After undergoing the procedure in January 2018, Michele is back to enjoying her normal activities without pain – and is no longer limited by her footwear. “After surgery, I bought maybe five or six pairs of different shoes! Now, I want people to look down and comment on my feet!”
Michele no longer has to cope with the daily physical struggles of living with bunion pain, but the Lapiplasty® Procedure has also improved her emotional wellbeing. “An emotional strain is really the best way to describe living with bunion pain. I felt like I had to rearrange my life around my bunions – when I would stand and walk at the office, which tasks I would complete, which activities I could do outside of work, etc. Not being able to do the things you want to do is frustrating for anyone. The difference between then and now is amazing,” she said.
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.
75,000 Patients & Counting
More Patient Stories
Take Our Bunion Assessment
Answer 4 simple questions to see if Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® may be right for you.†
1 of 4
Select the image below that best describes your bunion.
2 of 4
Please select the level of foot pain you experience most of the time.
3 of 4
Which of the following most accurately describes where you're at in your bunion treatment process?
(Select all that apply)
4 of 4
You're almost there!
Please provide your first and last name, email address, and zip code below so we can send your personalized bunion assessment results right to your inbox. If you are a candidate for Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® surgery, we’ll also help you find trained & experienced Lapiplasty® doctors in your area.
*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.
Assessment Complete!
You may be a candidate for the Lapiplasty® Procedure. Your results will be sent to your inbox shortly.
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.
Find a Lapiplasty® Doctor
Use our convenient Find-A-Doctor tool to find a local doctor near you.
Bunion Pain Can Worsen Without Treatment1
Take the next step toward relief today.
The Lapiplasty® procedure may help alleviate your bunion pain before it gets worse. Contact a Lapiplasty® Patient Educator directly or schedule a call time that is convenient for you.
See What Patients Are Saying
Quiz Complete!
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:
If you feel you answered any questions inaccurately, take the quiz again!
Restart QuizFind a Doctor Near You
Search 1,000s of trained & experienced Lapiplasty® surgeons