If you live with a bunion, you know how much it can limit your daily life. Walking, exercising, or even finding comfortable shoes becomes a challenge. At Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado in Colorado Springs, CO, Dr. Matthew Hinderland and our team help patients find lasting relief. We specialize in advanced treatments, including Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion correction, to restore your foot's natural structure. Our goal is to help you return to the activities you love without pain.
A bunion forms when the joint at the base of your big toe becomes unstable. This instability causes the big toe to lean toward the second toe, creating a painful bump. Many patients think this bump is just extra bone growing on the side of the foot. However, the issue is actually a three-dimensional structural shift.
According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, a bunion is a chronic, progressive, and degenerative condition. Their consensus notes that 87.3% of these deformities involve a bone that has twisted out of alignment. Traditional surgeries often just cut the bone and shift it over. In contrast, 3D bunion correction rotates the entire bone back into its proper position. Our team in Colorado Springs, CO, uses this advanced method to secure the foundation of your foot.
Traditional bone-cutting can shorten the big toe. This change can shift your weight and cause pain in your other toes. In a 2021 study of 35 adults, patients undergoing 3D correction lost an average of only 3.1 mm of bone length.
This minimal change helps keep your foot's weight distribution natural. It lowers the risk of developing new pain in your smaller toes. We evaluate your foot structure carefully to plan the most precise correction possible. If surgery is not right for you, we also offer conservative options like custom made orthotics to help manage your symptoms.
Recovery timelines depend on the specific procedure you receive. A 2022 study of 82 adults compared two different surgical approaches. Patients who had a minimally invasive bone cut walked immediately in a protective shoe. Those who had a joint fusion procedure could not bear weight for at least 5 weeks.
We customize your recovery plan based on your unique anatomy and lifestyle. If you qualify for a minimally invasive approach, you may avoid weeks on crutches. For patients who need a joint fusion, we use advanced techniques to support safe healing. We walk you through every stage of your rehabilitation to ensure a smooth transition back to normal footwear.
Bunion pain does not have to rule your life. Our experienced podiatrists are here to help you find the right path forward. Whether you need 3D correction or a minimally invasive option, we tailor our care to you. Schedule a consultation with our team in Colorado Springs, CO, to start your recovery today.
