It’s National Bunion Day! Boca podiatrist wages battle against stigma, pain of bunions

 

April 4, 2024 – Dr. Jodi Schoenhaus of the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center in Boca Raton, FL, recently spoke with The Palm Beach Post alongside her patient, Maggie Bradley, about their work to destigmatize bunions and the advancements in surgical options available for the condition in acknowledgment of National Bunion Day.

“I have seen so many patients who suffered from bunion pain for months, or even years, before finally seeking treatment,” said Dr. Schoenhaus. “Maybe they were embarrassed about how they looked. Maybe they were afraid of the pain traditionally associated with surgery. Whatever the reasons were, I really want to raise awareness of this condition and what you can do about it.”

When Maggie was in her mid-30s, she noticed that people were staring at her feet when she wore open-toed shoes because of her bunions, which eventually interfered with her love of running, weightlifting and shoe shopping.

“I had a swollen bump on the side of my left foot, which began to impact my choices of footwear,” Maggie said. “My mother struggled with bunions, so I knew I needed to seek treatment before my pain and other symptoms became worse.”

Maggie connected with Dr. Schoenhaus, who did an initial evaluation and took x-rays. After trying more conservative treatments, Maggie underwent Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® in 2021 and said she made the right decision.

“I’ve been able to indulge in buying new shoes and love wearing high heels again,” Maggie said. “I’ve also completed a half-marathon and am again able to ski, which I wasn’t able to do when I was dealing with bunion pain.”

Lapiplasty® is a surgical procedure. Only a surgeon can tell if the Lapiplasty® procedure is right for you. This experience is unique and specific to this patient only. Individual results may vary depending on age, weight, health, and other variables. The opinions expressed by this doctor are their own and not necessarily that of TMC Inc. There are risks and recovery takes time. 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.

TMC Inc. is not recommending any particular surgeon. Patients should make an independent determination regarding the qualifications of suitability of Lapiplasty® surgeons found at Lapiplasty.com/doctor.

Reference Link: https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/healthcare/2024/04/04/for-first-time-we-have-a-national-bunion-day-and-better-solutions/73211404007