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Am I A candidateDo Sneakers and Heels Cause Bunions? Dr. Bradley Schaeffer Debunks Myths and Shares Foot Health Tips on National Bunion Day
April 15, 2025 – Dr. Brad Schaeffer, a board-certified foot surgeon at Central Park Sole in New York, NY, recently spoke with Footwear News in recognition of National Bunion Day™. He discussed the causes of and misconceptions surrounding bunions, the best shoes to wear while managing the condition and how Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® can help those seeking treatment get back on their feet quickly1,2.
Bunions form when bones in the midfoot slide out of alignment, causing a large bump on the side of the toe. Despite the mistaken belief that wearing high heeled or narrow shoes causes bunions, many people with the condition have a family member who also developed the deformity3,4.
“Bunions are not something that I think people would sign up for, but it’s not like they’re gross or ugly and can’t be fixed,” said Dr. Schaeffer. “I would just get them treated early rather than waiting until the bump gets large.”
Dr. Schaeffer noted that bunion correction surgery has advanced in recent years, with his preferred surgical option being the Lapiplasty® Procedure. This approach restores the foot’s structure to its correct 3D alignment, with patients typically remaining non-weight bearing for only two weeks before transitioning into a walking boot for 4-6 weeks during their recovery. Many patients can transition back into comfortable shoes 6-8 weeks post-operation and can resume most physical activities within 4-6 months5,6,7.
“If you’re trying to prevent a bunion, you should get proper shoes, good sneakers,” Dr. Schaeffer said. “If it’s hereditary and you see it developing, go to a doctor and know that there’s treatment out there.”
Only a surgeon can tell if the Lapiplasty® Procedure is right for you. The opinions expressed by this doctor are their own and not necessarily that of Treace Medical Concepts Inc. (TMCI). Individual results may vary depending on age, weight, health, and other variables. There are risks and recovery takes time. For more information about recovery from the Lapiplasty® Procedure, see the recovery information and discuss the post-surgery recovery process with your doctor. Risks include infection, pain, implant loosening and loss of correction with improper bone healing. For more information on benefits, risks and recovery, visit Lapiplasty.com.