A bunion is commonly regarded as a hard bump on the side of the big toe. However, it is actually a deformity that begins as an unstable joint at the base of the toe. It is caused by a shifting position of the first metatarsal that results in the big toe leaning in and crowding the other toes while the joint at the side of the big toe juts outward to form the bunion. When the same thing occurs on the little toe, it is called a bunionette.

Bunions can be caused by genetics related to foot shape, arthritis, or a foot injury. Women are more susceptible to developing bunions from wearing sloped heels or ill-fitting footwear that aggravate the underlying condition. Bunions develop slowly over time so seeking early treatment helps prevent the bunion from worsening.

Symptoms of redness, pain, stiffness, or numbness may increase with time as the bunion develops. When symptoms interfere with daily activities or footwear selection, it may be time to consider surgery. We offer two types of surgery to treat bunions: Minimally Invasive and Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction.

 

Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery is performed through small incisions in the skin. The lower bone in the big toe is cut and shifted to improve alignment of the joint. The correction is held in place with zero-profile screws to minimize the hardware.

Minimally invasive bunion surgery improves both the mechanics and the appearance of the foot. It is less invasive than traditional surgery because of the smaller incisions. The benefits after surgery include less soft-tissue damage, less pain, faster recovery, less visible scarring, and improved cosmetic appearance.

After surgery, some people will need to keep weight off the toe area and others may partially bear weight. A special boot or hard shoe may be needed to protect the foot. By 4 to 6 weeks, patients can transition to stiff-soled shoes. By 8 to 10 weeks, light exercise can typically be resumed. Resuming normal activities and shoe wear is possible by 12 weeks.

 

Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction

Lapiplasty 3D Bunion surgery is a new technology that provides a thorough bunion solution. As mentioned, bunions are more than an unsightly bump that can be shaved away. Bunions are complex deformities that cause the metatarsal bone to lean sideways, creating an unstable foundation. Then excessive pressure is transferred to the other toes with causes abnormal wear and tear, like tires that are out of alignment.

To specifically address the root cause of the unstable joint that has caused the bunion and the misalignment, Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction was developed. Lapiplasty was created as a 3D solution because bunions are a 3D problem, not a topical bump on the foot. A 3D correction ensures that the bunion does not reoccur. Plus, patients can walk within days of surgery. At The Foot Doctors of Kansas City, we will heal your bunions faster and forever with Lapiplasty 3D Bunion surgery.