Dr. Fernando Fernandez treats all types of foot and ankle problems at Advanced Foot Care in The Woodlands, TX. Heel pain, tendonitis and skin and nail problems are common issues. In addition, he treats bunions in the office daily. Dr. Fernandez discussed bunion treatments with the Houston Chronicle. One of his patients also shared her experience with the Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™.
Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ Can Get You Walking Faster
Dr. Fernandez had a patient who had been suffering from bunions for many years. She related that they had been present since she was a teenager and had been getting more severe as the years went by. As the bunions got worse, a wider variety of shoes were painful to wear. She eventually presented to Advanced Foot Care in The Woodlands and met with Dr. Fernando Fernandez. He explained how her bunion was more complex than a bump on the side of the foot and that instead of simply shaving off the bump, the bunion needed to be corrected by addressing the root cause of the problem - an unstable joint in the middle of the foot. he explained how it was the instability in this joint that allowed the bones to shift out of place resulting in the bunion.
Dr. Fernandez recommended the Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ as the best solution to her painful bunion. He explained how the procedure would use special instruments and implants to realign the affected bones and and fuse the unstable joint that was the root cause of her bunion deformity. She agreed to the procedure and had the first foot operated on in September 2020 and the second in March 2021. Her recovery was smooth and she noted that she was able to walk , using a post-op boot after 3 days of initial non-weight bearing for each surgery. The patient related her satisfaction with her procedures by relating that her feet didn't bother her anymore. She could run, jump and do whatever she wanted - even wear the cute shoes her bunions kept her from wearing.
How Long Does It Take To Fully Recover From Lapiplasty Surgery?
While full recovery from foot surgery, including Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™, can take up to six months to a year, most patients are able to return to higher impact exercise or sports beginning at approximately four months following their procedure.
Is Physical Therapy Needed After Lapiplasty Surgery?
Most patients are able to perform simple home exercises following Lapiplasty surgery. However, some patients may have more swelling or stiffness in their great toe joint than usual. In these cases, physical therapy may be needed to improve their range of motion and speed healing.
Are There Any Permanent Activity Limitations Following Lapiplasty Surgery?
There are no specific, permanent activity limitations or restrictions associated with Lapiplasty surgery.