Understanding Bunions: Causes, Care & Relief With Dr. Brad Schaeffer

May 1, 2025 – Dr. Brad Schaeffer of Central Park Sole in New York, NY, was interviewed by Cathy Biase from The Health Hub to discuss what causes bunions to develop, how the condition can affect other parts of the body if left untreated and how Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® offers patients an advanced treatment option for the condition.

“A lot of people think bunions are caused by the shoes we wear or due to a trauma,” said Dr. Schaeffer. “Most of the time, it’s due to a hereditary condition, not the patient’s footwear or lifestyle^1,2.”

Dr. Schaeffer further discussed that bunions cause a potentially painful bump on the side of the foot. As the deformity progresses, they can become a constant source of pain if left untreated^3,4. In recognition of National Bunion Day^™, Dr. Schaeffer emphasized that the condition is common and that there are new treatment options available that can streamline recovery.

“Bunions are a 3D issue caused by an unstable joint in the middle of the foot that allows your bone to drift out of alignment^5,6” said Dr. Schaeffer. “The Lapiplasty® Procedure allows us to take the whole joint, which is where the bunion starts, and fix it at the base so that you can bring the foot bones back to their natural alignment.”

Dr. Schaeffer advises most of his patients to remain non-weightbearing for 1-2 weeks following the Lapiplasty® Procedure before transitioning to a walking boot. He noted that typical recovery allows most patients to begin wearing comfortable shoes again within 6–8 weeks after surgery, with a return to regular footwear and daily activities usually occurring within 4–6 months^7,8.

“It’s a pleasure to educate patients on the Lapiplasty® Procedure,” said Dr. Schaeffer. “The long-term results are tested and proven. My patients leave satisfied knowing that they have an option that offers a streamlined recovery process.”

Lapiplasty® is a surgical procedure. The opinions expressed by this doctor are their own and not necessarily that of Treace Medical Concepts Inc. (TMCI). Individual results vary, 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.

Reference Link: https://soundcloud.com/thehealthhub/understanding-bunions-causes-care-relief-with-dr-brad-schaeffer