Tag: bunion treatment

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blog Bunion Treatment

Bunion Blues? Lapiplasty Might Be Your Path to Pain-Free Feet

Bunions – those bony bumps at the base of your big toe can cause serious pain and discomfort. Worse, they make it difficult to find shoes that fit or participate in activities you typically enjoy.

If you’ve tried conservative treatments like padding and wider shoes with little success, Lapiplasty surgery might be the answer you’ve been searching for. To help those in need learn about this powerful and innovative procedure, the team at New England Podiatry has decided to put together a brief blog on the subject.

What Makes It Different?

As a more recently developed procedure, Lapiplasty stands apart from other surgical techniques.

  • Traditional bunionectomy procedures often address the bump itself by shaving down the bone or shifting it sideways.
  • While this might offer temporary relief, it doesn’t address the underlying cause: A misaligned joint at the base of the big toe.
  • This misalignment, affecting all three dimensions (length, width, and rotation), is what Lapiplasty targets.

A 3D Approach

Bunions are multifaceted problems, so it’s lucky that Lapiplasty provides a multifaceted solution.

  • To perform a Lapiplasty procedure, a podiatrist uses specialized tools to meticulously realign the bones in the big toe joint.
  • This not only corrects the bump but also repairs the natural structure of your foot.
  • Small titanium plates are used to hold the bones in their new position. This allows for faster healing and a return to painless weight-bearing.

Benefits of Lapiplasty

Compared to traditional bunion surgery, Lapiplasty offers several advantages:

  • Reduced recurrence:

By addressing the root cause of the bunion, Lapiplasty aims to prevent the deformity from returning or worsening.

  • Faster recovery: 

The minimally invasive nature of Lapiplasty and the use of titanium plates contribute to a quicker healing process.

  • Improved long-term outcome: 

A more anatomically correct repair of the joint can lead to better pain relief and function.

Suffering from bunions with no solution in sight? We’re here and ready to help you learn more! Contact us to see if Lapiplasty is the solution you’ve been seeking.

Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Zachary Sax, Dr. Joshua Oulette, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, and Dr. Raymond Murano III  provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for a wide spectrum of foot and ankle conditions and injuries. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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blog Bunion Treatment

Take Care of Your Bunions

A bunion is a progressive toe deformity. Where do you see the signs? Mainly on the big toe joint. You may notice an out-of-place bump, and you may also experience pain. For some, sight alone is the biggest problem. Toe deformities typically continue to progress, and you’ll need treatment to manage. In the meantime, here are some things you should know about this condition.

Signs and symptoms of bunions include…

  • A bulging bump, redness, and swelling at the big toe joint.
  • Corns and calluses can develop on and near the bunion.
  • People who have bunions frequently develop a hammertoe or two.
  • Ingrown toenails are more likely to occur when you have a bunion.

How to Treat Bunions

  • Physical therapy exercises: Various stretching and strengthening exercises can be performed to keep the big toe joint and tendons flexible. They can provide pain relief and help to improve strength and flexibility after bunion surgery.
  • Wear properly fitted shoes with a wide toe box: Wear shoes with a wide toe box and a deeper heel cup to prevent rubbing and provide room for orthotic braces and inserts. A wide toe box will also help prevent the friction of your big toe rubbing on your footwear, which can cause painful corns to develop on the bunion.
  • Pads and cushions: Pads and cushioning devices are available to isolate the bunion and any corns that may have formed.
  • Custom orthotics and braces: A specially made bunion brace can be used while sleeping to spread the toes apart. Over time, the toe will gradually straighten.

If you have a painful bunion, call your podiatrist ASAP! Don’t wait for treatment.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax, treat various foot and ankle conditions. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.

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Bunion Treatment

Is Bunion Surgery the Solution?

bare foot with bunion

A bunion is a progressive toe deformity. For some patients, the bump alongside the big toe doesn’t cause pain. It may simply be a visible difference on the foot. For other patients, however, a bunion can become very painful. The discomfort can impact day-to-day activities, including putting on shoes or walking. One option for treating this condition is surgery. However, the New England Podiatry Associates consider this only after providing patients with less-invasive options.

Here are three suggestions to consider before surgery:

Choose custom orthotics 

A podiatrist can prescribe custom orthotics to relieve the pain from your bunion. During the exam, the specialist gathers data. They will then use this information to create a one-of-a-kind pair for your feet, from how you walk to the specific location of pain, every detail matters. Ask your doctor if orthotics are right for you.

Consider a larger shoe size

Tight shoes are a problem for patients who have a bunion. The lack of wiggle room only causes additional friction and ultimately more pain and discomfort. We recommend our patients visit a shoe store to get properly measured. Exploring shoe options with a wide toe box can show your feet some extra love. 

Calm the pain with cushioning

Padding and cushion are helpful for patients dealing with bunion pain. Schedule an appointment with your podiatrist to learn about over-the-counter options. With this conservative treatment, patients may be able to find pain relief without surgery. We’re here to help you consider all your options.  

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Michael Hass, Dr. Alan Green, Dr. Stephen Tubridy, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, and Dr. Catherine Jacobs treat various conditions such as sports injuries, foot and ankle pain, pediatric foot care, ingrown toenails, and flat feet. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at
617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.

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blog Foot Health

Are Bunions Holding You Back?

illustration of a foot with a bunion, and a foot without a bunion

Many people have bunions. For some people, this toe deformity is visible but painless. For others, a bump along the side of the big toe joint can bring tremendous discomfort. When pain from this condition interrupts your daily routine, it’s time to talk with the doctors at New England Podiatry Associates.  We’re here to help you walk through your options for pain relief.

What is a bunion?

A bunion is a progressive toe deformity, which means it will continue to worsen over time without surgery. Again, some people may not experience pain. Others can have a different story. We can help you figure out the best way to live with this toe deformity; surgery is also an option.

How did I get this condition?

Family history plays a significant role in developing this toe deformity. Wearing shoes that are too tight can make things worse. You are also at an increased risk of developing a bunion if you have flat feet or low arches.  

What causes bunion pain?

If you see a bump on the base of your big toe joint, you may have a bunion caused when the bone at the joint moves and bends toward other toes. Since the big toe carries much of your body’s weight, bunions can become very painful. Changing shoes or adding a cushion can reduce pain.

Have you visited a podiatrist?

If your bunion has recently become painful, this might be your first invitation to meet with a podiatrist. Make an appointment today. A podiatrist is a foot and ankle specialist familiar with toe deformities as well as treatment options.

When you’ve noticed you’re on the sidelines a bit more because of bunion pain, give us a call. It doesn’t have to be this way. Call us at 
617-232-1752 to make an appointment. Our Newton-Wellesley and Chestnut Hill offices are open during regular business hours. We are still offering a telemedicine option.