Not all bunions, or bunion surgeries and recoveries, are the same.  

Before you have bunion surgery, you are probably thinking about what happens after bunion surgery. You are eager to end the swelling and pain and comfortably fit into your shoes.

However, before that happens, you need to get through treatment and recovery. You may require casting, but you may not have to endure casting inconveniences and restrictions even if you need bunion surgery.

Bunion Surgeries Don’t Always Require Casting

Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction is a minimally invasive procedure that uses cutting-edge technology to correct the underlying cause of bunions - a misaligned joint in the big toe. The procedure involves making a small incision in the side of the foot and then using special instruments to realign the joint and secure it in place with titanium screws.

A successful Lapiplasty procedure does not require casting. Instead, after a short recovery time, most Lapiplasty bunion surgery patients can wear a walking boot within a few days and return to most of their regular activities within a few weeks of surgery.

Traditional Bunion Surgery With Casting

Traditional bunion surgery often requires casting. The time in a cast varies from patient to patient, but it could be as long as nine weeks.

During this time, the cast must be kept dry, and walking and daily activities may be significantly limited.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions on caring for your cast and what activities you can and cannot do. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery.

After surgery, you also can expect some pain and swelling. These symptoms are normal and will gradually improve over time. Your doctor will check on these symptoms periodically throughout your recovery.

Other Bunion Treatment Options

Bunions are not cosmetic problems. Instead, a bunion is a deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe. The big toe bends towards the second toe, causing the joint to protrude outwards. Surgeries, such as those described above, are required in some cases. However, sometimes, bunions can be treated without surgery or casting by:

  • Wearing shoes that fit correctly. Shoes that are too narrow and compress the toes can cause bunion pain. Foot size changes over time, and it’s essential to have your feet measured and to wear shoes that comfortably accommodate your feet.
  • Orthotics. Custom orthotics can take pressure off of your bunion and relieve pain.
  • Foot pads. Pharmacies sell over-the-counter cushioned pads that you can put over the bunion to help relieve pain while wearing shoes
  • Medication. Anti-inflammatory medications can reduce swelling and help you manage bunion pain.
  • Splints. A podiatrist may recommend that you wear a splint at night to straighten your big toe and relieve pain.
  • Ice. Ice won’t cure a bunion, but applying it for about 20 minutes at a time several times a day could help reduce swelling.

A podiatrist may recommend that you try more than one of these treatments before surgery, especially if you are considering traditional bunion surgery with casting that will limit your daily activities for weeks.

Talk to an Experienced Podiatrist About All of Your Bunion Treatment Options

Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction is not offered by all podiatrists. Doctors must receive specialized training from Treace Medical Concepts, Inc., the manufacturer of the Lapiplasty system, before performing this revolutionary treatment.

Podiatrists at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists have received the required training and performed minimally invasive and effective Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction.

We encourage you to make an appointment with us today to discuss all of your bunion treatment options. We will let you know whether to expect casting or whether there are alternative treatments for you. Our goal is to help you get rid of bunion pain effectively and with minimal disruption to your life. Please call us at 512-328-8900 or complete our online contact form to have our practice contact you.