The Most Common Type of Bunion is Hallux Valgus
A bunion or hallux valgus, pronounced (ha·luhks vaal·guhs), is a boney bump resulting from a deformity at the first metatarsocuneiform joint (MJC) of middle foot. The 'bump' usually appears after the big toe bones turn inward toward the second toe, and the forefoot moves out of alignment due to MCJ failure. Although some patients report that their bunions do not hurt, the condition can be painful for others. If you have a bunion, you're not alone. It is estimated that 33% of the populations of Western countries have bunions.
Causes of Bunions
- Although not hereditary, they do tend to run in families because of faulty foot structure
- Flat feet
- Injuries
- Neuromuscular problems
- Occupations that require you to place great strain on your feet
- Pronated feet (feet that roll inward when walking or running)
- Wearing shoes that are too tight
- Wearing high heels
- Unstable Ligaments and Joints
Symptoms of Bunions
- A bony bump on the side of your foot at the base of the big toe
- Corns or other irritations caused by the overlap of the big and second toes
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the metatarsophalangeal joint
- Restricted or painful movement of the big toe
- Abnormal gait
New Patient Visits for Bunion Evaluation and Treatment
Initial Visit
During your initial visit to New Orleans Podiatry Associates, Dr. Lang will conduct a focused review of your symptoms and medical history; and he will perform a diagnostic examination to arrive at a clinical diagnosis. Once Dr. Lang determines the severity of your bunion condition, he will present a diagnosis and treatment options. From here, you will move into the collaborative stage of your new patient visit and collectively decide on a treatment protocol that works according to your lifestyle, health insurance plan, and budget.
Diagnostic Evaluation
During the diagnostic evaluation of your new patient visit, an x-ray of the foot and ankle is performed in-office to diagnose your condition.
Conservative Treatment for Bunions
- Changing to carefully fitted footwear designed to accommodate the bunion
- Exercises to maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness or arthritis
- Custom crafted orthotic devices to immobilize the forefoot deformity
- Protective padding, often made from felt material, to help reduce friction against shoes
Surgical Treatment: When Conservative Care Is Not an Option
Because they are bone deformities, painful bunions require surgical correction to relieve the pressure and pain caused by irritations and to stop any progressive growth of the 'out-jutting' bump. Depending on the size of the bump, misalignment of the toes and forefoot, and pain associated with the condition, conservative treatments may not be adequate to prevent progressive bunion damage. In these cases, bunion surgery, known as a bunionectomy, may be recommended to remove the 'out-jutting' bump and realign the toes. With over 30 years of surgical experience, Dr. Edward Lang, our board-certified surgical specialist, has performed thousands of successful bunion surgeries.
Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction- A Cutting-Edge Technique in Bunion Surgery
Our Lapiplasty® Specialist
Dr. Edward M. Lang, D.P.M., our board-certified podiatric surgeon, has served the New Orleans and Metairie communities for over thirty years. Dr. Lang is trained and certified in the Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction procedure. In 2022, his facility, New Orleans Podiatry Associates, earned a Center of Excellence rating from Treace Medical, the creators of the Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction procedure.
Fixing the Root Cause of Your Bunion
A common misconception is that a bunion is simply an overgrowth of bone that can be "shaved off." However, bunions are complex, 3D deformities caused by an unstable joint in the middle of the foot that allows your bone to drift out of alignment. Lapiplasty advanced bunion surgery technology returns your entire bone to normal 3D alignment, and the unstable joint is secured with patented titanium plates to get you back on your feet quickly.
Why Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction?
While traditional 2D osteotomy surgery merely cuts and shifts the bone to address the 'bunion bump,' the Lapiplasty procedure corrects the entire bone in a 3D surgical approach.
How the Lapiplasty® Procedure Works
A bunion is a 3D deformity caused by an unstable metatarsocuneiform joint in the mid-foot. Traditional bunion surgery cuts the jutting 'bunion bump' away and shifts the toe but does not repair the unstable joint that is the root cause of the bunion itself. This approach does not correct the bunion at the root and makes the likelihood of reoccurrence much higher. By comparison, the Lapiplasty® procedure uses advanced instruments and a 3D surgical technique to return the joint to its correct alignment. This addresses the root cause of the problem- making reoccurrence less likely. Many powerful technologies and advanced surgeon training combine to deliver this patented 3D Bunion Correction.™ If you would like to benefit from the most advanced and effective bunion surgery techniques available, text 650) 405-0442 and schedule your Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Procedure consultation.
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Text Us About Bunion Treatment
At New Orleans Podiatry Associates, we are experts in treating bunions (hallux valgus) and bunion surgery. Our lead podiatrist, Dr. Edward M. Lang, has been helping patients resolve bunion pain for over 30 years. Please text our HIPAA-compliant communication platform at
(866) 875-4570 and chat directly with our team to learn more about bunion treatments. You do not have to live with foot pain. We are bunion and bunion surgery specialists, and we have helped thousands of patients reclaim their foot health.
Call for an Appointment
At New Orleans Podiatry Associates, we are experts in treating foot and ankle pain. Our lead podiatrist, Dr. Edward M. Lang, has been helping patients resolve foot and ankle pain for over 30 years. Please call our main number at (504)-897-3627for both our New Orleans and Metaire locations, and speak directly with our team to learn more about how New Orleans Podiatry Associates can help you get back on your feet. We are foot and ankle specialists, and we have helped thousands of patients reclaim their foot health.
Request an Appointment For Bunion Pain!