Recognizing the First U.S. Annual National Bunion Day on April 16

As a foot & ankle specialist, I have treated many patients impacted by painful bunion deformities. Whether my patients enjoy running marathons or just walking around the neighborhood, their bunions can impact almost any part of their daily routines. Many patients try managing their pain with nonsurgical options at first. However, the only way to correct a bunion deformity is with surgery, which many patients avoid because of the negative reputations surrounding traditional surgical options and their recovery process[1],[2]. In an effort to help correct these misconceptions, University Foot & Ankle Institute is excited to partner with Treace Medical Concepts to recognize National Bunion Day on April 16, 2024.

In the period leading up to and during National Bunion Day, University Foot & Ankle Institute and Treace will offer educational materials, online events, and opportunities for patients to share their experiences living with and undergoing treatment for bunion deformities. Our goal is to reduce the negative stigma surrounding the condition and help build awareness of the newest and most innovative treatment options available to patients.

Bunions are a complex and progressive condition that often runs in families[3]. They are frequently marked by a large bump on the side of the big toe and can cause pain, restrict the types of activities people can participate in and limit the types of shoes they can wear[4],[5]. In recent years, University Foot & Ankle Institute has begun offering Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction®, which corrects the entire deformity in three dimensions and secures the unstable bones to get patients back on their feet typically within two weeks in a walking boot[6],[7].

It is very rewarding to be able to offer an effective treatment option to patients who have suffered from bunion pain for months or even years. I enjoy seeing them return to the lifestyles they once enjoyed before bunion pain disrupted their lives. I hope that National Bunion Day will open the doors for other patients to learn more about the treatment options available to them and empower them to choose the approach that best fits their lifestyle.

For more information about National Bunion Day, visit Lapiplasty.com/NationalBunionDay. To schedule an appointment with me, visit FootAnkleInstitute.com.

[1] American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) Website ©2023.

[2] Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials Website, ©2019.

[3] American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) Website ©2023.

[4] American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) Website ©2023.

[5] WebMD Website ©2023.

[6] Ray J, et al. Foot Ankle Int. 2019 Aug;40(8):955-960.

[7] Dayton P, et al. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2019. 58:427-433.