In this video, a patient tells how a new bunion treatment allowed her to return to work just two weeks after surgery. This procedure is now available in Richmond, Virginia, at The Foot & Ankle Center. Video courtesy of TREACE Medical Concepts, Inc. As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary and this experience is unique and specific to this patient only.
Laura's Story:
It’s important for me to maintain an active lifestyle for a couple of reasons. One, for my own health and sanity, and two, I work as a physical therapist assistant, so I’m always stressing to others about how important it is to stay physically active.
I’ve had bunions as long as I can remember growing up. It’s something that’s run through the family, I think. The bunions were getting to be more and more painful the older I got and the more active I became, to the point where I would need to stop and rest. They were achy, and a burning feeling, it was red to the eye. And then actually with my running shoes, I was starting to blow out the sides of them where the bunion was. And it just go to the point where it was so frustrating I needed to do something about it.
The doctor talked to me about the Lapiplasty procedure, he kind of explained how it would work and that really made a lot of sense, but I was really excited about the fact that I could be back on my feet immediately and return to work shortly thereafter.
I had the Lapiplasty procedure done on my right foot in Nov. of 2017. I had to wear the boot for six weeks after my procedure. The surgery went really well, it went as expected and then I was able to come home after just a couple hours in the outpatient setting. And I was able to walk immediately. They had me in a boot and said I could walk as long as I was wearing the boot. I returned to work two weeks after having my surgery. As long as I did not do any heavy lifting, any strenuous activity, then I was okay.
My foot is feeling great today after having the surgery and going through all of the recovery. I have no pain. I’m able to be on my feet all day at work with no problem. The Lapiplasty procedure has improved my quality of life because I’m able to do all of the things that I enjoy doing, and I’m able to do it without pain. I’m able to come home from work and play with my kids, and run them around without having to sit and rest first.
In my years of working as a physical therapist assistant, I’ve seen some patients that have had the traditional bunion surgeries. Maybe not right away but years later, I’ve seen how the bunions were starting to cause them more pain, the toe was starting to drift over more and they weren’t 100% satisfied with what they had done.
I would recommend the Lapiplasty surgery to anybody that’s having bunion pain. I was able to get back to the activities I enjoy doing and doing them without pain.
Only a surgeon can tell if Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction is right for you and what level of activity you can expect after healing is complete. There are potential risks with surgery and recovery takes time. Potential risks include, but are not limited to: infection, discomfort from the presence of the implant, loosening of the implant, and loss of correction with nonunion or malunion. Please consult with a physician for complete information regarding the benefits and risks associated with the Lapiplasty procedure.