Why Lapiplasty Might Be the Right Bunion Surgery for You
If your podiatrist has been treating your bunion, but you still have pain that keeps you from living a full life, then bunion surgery might be the solution. Your podiatrist has several options for surgery that include removing part of your toe bone, removing tissues from your joint, or permanently straightening the joint. Your podiatrist might recommend lapiplasty surgery, which repositions and straightens your toe. Here's how it works.
Lapiplasty Bunion Surgery Aligns Your Toe
Unlike some surgeries that shave off some of the bone that makes the bump on the side of your toe, the lapiplasty procedure involves aligning your toe so the toe is moved into the proper position so the bump disappears. The toe is then held in place with plates so it doesn't move out of alignment again.
With this surgery, there is a reduced chance of the bunion returning and the recovery time is much quicker. A lapiplasty can be done on mild or severe bunions, but you'll need an evaluation from your podiatrist to verify you're a good candidate for the procedure.
The Recovery Period Is Fairly Quick
Recovering from a lapiplasty is usually much quicker than recovering from other types of bunion surgery that involve cutting into your bones. You might start walking in an orthopedic boot right away, so you'll be mobile much sooner, and you might even return to work quicker. You'll still have a recovery period of several weeks, but once you've healed, you may not have any restrictions on activities like you would have with other types of bunion surgeries.
Be sure to follow your podiatrist's instructions for your recovery period and for the activities you're allowed to do so you recover without complications and have the best mobility once you've fully healed. You'll need follow-up visits with your podiatrist to change the initial bandage and to remove stitches when it's time.
You'll need to wear the boot most of the time, just taking it off to shower. The boot protects your toe from injury and the pain that would cause. You might also need to use crutches or a knee scooter if you need to be mobile before you can bear all of your weight on your foot.
Since there are several treatments for bunions, lapiplasty bunion surgery might not be the right choice for you, but if surgery is needed and you're suitable, a lapiplasty might be an easier operation to endure during the recovery period and it may get you back to work or playing sports faster too. To learn more, contact a doctor near you.