lapiplasty evaluation for bunionOur Tarrant County Podiatrists Explain How to Know if You’re a Good Candidate for Lapiplasty

Living with bunions isn't just about dealing with an unsightly bump—it's about managing the daily discomfort that affects every step you take. As this common foot deformity progresses, finding comfortable shoes becomes increasingly challenging, and walking can become painful. Fortunately, treatment is possible. 

At Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists, our Tarrant County, TX, podiatrists have experience helping patients understand their options to relieve bunion-related foot pain. If you're considering surgical correction for bunions, you may be a candidate for lapiplasty treatment at our Grapevine or Keller location in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. This innovative procedure addresses the root cause of bunion formation to provide removal and lasting relief. Below, we discuss key factors that impact whether lapiplasty may be an appropriate treatment for you. 

How Lapiplasty Works: What You Need to Know

There are several treatment options for bunions, and surgery is not always required. However, surgery is often recommended for painful bunions when other therapies don’t provide relief. If you are suffering from a painful bunion, lapiplasty is an innovative approach to bunion surgery that may be a good option for you. 

Lapiplasty is available in the Tarrant County, Texas area at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists. Unlike traditional bunion surgery that simply shaves down the bump on your toe, lapiplasty addresses the root cause of bunion formation. This advanced procedure corrects the unstable joint at the base of the big toe that allowed the bunion to develop in the first place.

The Procedure

During a lapiplasty procedure, no shaving of bone is involved. Instead, specialized three-dimensional correction guides are used to precisely realign the entire metatarsal bone. This advanced instrumentation allows the podiatrist to see and adjust the correction from multiple angles, ensuring optimal alignment. The unstable joint is then secured with titanium plates, creating a permanent solution that dramatically reduces the risk of bunion recurrence.

Most lapiplasty procedures are performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. The surgery typically takes about an hour to complete. 

General Recovery Timeframe

As with any surgery, the pace of recovery from lapiplasty isn’t the same for everyone. In general, most patients can bear some weight on the affected foot within a few weeks and begin some walking and other light activities while wearing a surgical boot within four to six weeks. 

Patients may be able to start wearing comfortable shoes like sneakers within six to eight weeks and be ready to resume wearing regular footwear and resume most activities within four to six months. Results may vary based on your specific situation, so take the time to talk to your podiatrist about how long you should expect your recovery from bunion surgery to take. 

What Makes Someone an Ideal Candidate for Lapiplasty?

Wondering if you are a good candidate for lapiplasty? Every patient's situation is unique, so it’s important for your foot doctor to do a thorough evaluation before making any kind of treatment recommendation for your bunions. Key factors in determining whether lapiplasty is an appropriate option include: 

  • Persistent pain from a bunion. Have you tried conservative treatments like padding and orthotics but still experience chronic foot pain that interferes with daily activities?

  • Progressive deformity. Does your bunion continue to worsen over time, making it increasingly difficult to find comfortable shoes? 

  • Good overall health. Are you in generally good health overall, with no underlying conditions that could complicate surgery or your recovery?

  • Realistic expectations. Do you fully understand the recovery process, and are you committed to following post-operative care instructions? 

Lapiplasty vs. Other Bunion Treatment Options

While lapiplasty offers many advantages, it may not be the best choice, or even a good option,  for everyone who has bunions. Your podiatrist might recommend other measures instead of lapiplasty if you have any of the following:  

  • A relatively mild bunion that hasn't caused significant joint instability

  • Advanced arthritis in the big toe joint, in addition to a bunion 

  • Significant bone loss or poor bone quality 

  • Age-related concerns that might affect bone healing

  • Circulatory problems that could impair healing

  • Medical conditions that make surgery inadvisable, such as uncontrolled diabetes

  • Insufficient bone density to support the titanium plates used in lapiplasty

  • A history of failed bunion surgery on the same foot 

  • Inability or unwillingness to comply with post-operative weight-bearing restrictions

  • Any kind of active infection in the affected foot or toe

What to Discuss With Your Podiatrist About Your Suitability for Lapiplasty

If you have bunions, it’s important to explore treatment options because they are entirely too painful to ignore. To determine if lapiplasty is a good option for you, the first step is to schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who treats bunions and offers this newer treatment option. If you are in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, we encourage you to book an appointment with Dr. Joseph Harvey or Dr. Richard A. Nichols at our Grapevine or Keller location. 

When you come in for your appointment, the doctor will examine your bunions and review your medical history to determine whether you are a candidate for lapiplasty before making a treatment recommendation. You should be prepared to discuss the following information with the doctor during your appointment: 

  • Your specific bunion symptoms

  • How your bunions impact your daily life

  • Previous treatments you've tried, including how well they worked and their outcome

  • Current activity level

  • Post-surgery activity lifestyle goals

  • Expectations of the recovery timeline

  • Potential risks and complications

It’s important that you share this information with your foot doctor, as they will need to consider all relevant information to determine the best course of action for your specific condition and situation. If you are a good candidate for lapiplasty, you will also need to talk to their office staff about your health insurance coverage so you know the extent to which your policy will cover the procedure before you make a final decision. 

Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists for Your Foot and Ankle Health

If you have pain in your feet or ankles, it can negatively impact your life and interfere with your daily routine. You need a compassionate, skilled podiatrist to work with you to determine the cause and provide treatment based on your specific needs. With 30 years of experience, the podiatrists at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists understand the relationship between your feet and your overall health. Whether your condition requires therapy, orthotics, or surgery, we offer leading-edge medical care to address your unique situation.

We offer patients in the Dallas-Fort Worth area safe, effective, and affordable treatment plans. If you’re struggling with a foot or an ankle problem, call us today at 817-481-4000, or fill out our contact form to make an appointment. 

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