A bunion impacts far more than the look of your foot. Over time, it may alter your gait, limit your footwear choices, and make everyday activities uncomfortable. What starts as a minor swelling near the big toe joint can gradually worsen into a structural change that affects how your foot functions as a whole. While many people cringe at the thought of bunion surgery, the experienced foot doctors at Sunshein Podiatry want to put your mind at ease. Our Centerville practice offers Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction, a state-of-the-art procedure that offers numerous benefits.
How Do I Know If I Have a Bunion?
A bunion is often thought of as a simple bump on the side of the toe, but it’s more complicated than that. It's a bone misalignment of the metatarsophalangeal joint—your big toe.
Not every bunion causes pain at first, and many people notice changes in the shape of their foot before they feel discomfort. However, even when painless, bunions can gradually worsen, leading to inflammation, callus formation, joint stiffness, and difficulty walking. Seeking professional care early—before pain develops—helps slow progression, reduce future discomfort, and prevent more severe deformity.
What Are the Benefits of Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction?
This procedure is a type of bunion surgery that treats the root cause of the deformity. It secures the joint in the middle of the toe and realigns the bones so that they’re straight and supportive. The procedure aims to balance the muscles surrounding the joint to prevent the bunion from recurring. You may experience the following benefits after getting this advanced lapiplasty procedure from our skilled Centerville podiatrists:
- Pain relief
- Pressure relief
- Future bunion prevention
- Toe alignment
- Improved balance and a stronger foot
- Ability to walk and participate in activities
How Is it Different From a Bunionectomy?
A bunionectomy eliminates the cosmetic deformity without addressing the root problem. After giving you a local or general anesthetic, your doctor makes two incisions and pulls out small parts of the bone. The toe is moved to its proper place by cutting the bone and setting it, and then it’s held together by screws or pins, so the bump is no longer visible.
Our Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction procedure addresses the issue with a more comprehensive three-dimensional approach. Our specially trained surgeons utilize advanced surgical technology to precisely position the entire bone in its correct place and balance the surrounding muscles. The joint is secured with titanium plates to provide stability and help you get back on your feet more quickly.
How Long Does Recovery Take After the Lapiplasty Procedure?
You can expect to regain foot function in stages. Within a few days of this bunion treatment, you can start putting weight on your foot. In 4 to 6 weeks, you may be able to walk more easily while wearing a special boot for support. In 6 to 8 weeks, you may be able to wear normal, comfortable shoes. In 4 to 6 months, you can expect to wear your regular shoes and complete all your normal daily tasks.
Why Consult With Our Centerville Podiatrists?
We use advanced technology to understand what’s driving the deformity—not just what’s visible on the surface. From custom-designed orthotics to personalized strategies for protecting your joints over time, our focus is to first understand your "why", then focus on easing discomfort, slowing progression, and helping you continue doing the things you love.
When you visit Sunshein Podiatry, you can expect thoughtful, individualized care that supports your lifestyle, your comfort, and your long-term mobility—so bunions don’t stand in the way of how you live.