Bunion deformities are a common condition affecting the alignment of the great toe, often leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty with footwear. At the Family Foot & Leg Center (FFLC), we utilize advanced, minimally invasive techniques to correct bunions with less downtime and improved long-term outcomes.
In this featured case, Dr. Kevin Lam performed a reverse Peabody procedure combined with an Akin osteotomy to restore alignment and function. This approach allows for excellent correction with minimal soft tissue disruption and faster recovery compared to traditional open methods.
Case Overview
This patient underwent a reverse Peabody bunion correction along with an Akin osteotomy for fine-tuning of the toe alignment.
The combination of these procedures enables precise bone realignment, stable fixation, and improved cosmetic and functional outcomes.
At the 10-week postoperative visit, results were outstanding:
* ✅ Excellent bone healing and stable fixation on X-ray
* ✅ Corrected toe alignment and balanced joint position
* ✅ Minimal swelling and good scar healing
* ✅ Comfortable walking and return to daily activities
Why the Reverse Peabody and Akin Osteotomy Work So Well
The reverse Peabody technique is a refined method that repositions the metatarsal head through a smaller incision while preserving joint integrity. When paired with the Akin osteotomy, which adjusts the proximal phalanx, the combination provides a balanced correction of the bunion deformity.
Benefits of this minimally invasive approach include:
* Smaller incisions, less soft tissue trauma
* Reduced postoperative pain and scarring
* Faster recovery and return to function
* Strong, lasting correction of the bunion deformity
Dr. Lam is internationally recognized for his expertise in minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery, including the Lam Bunionectomy, reverse Peabody procedure, and other advanced reconstructive techniques.
He leads a team of board-certified specialists across FFLC locations in SWFL, offering comprehensive care for foot, ankle, and leg conditions.
Dr. Lam is also the Founder & CEO of the Family Foot & Leg Center, P.A., based in Naples, Florida.
Learn More or Schedule a Consultation
If you’re suffering from bunion pain or considering surgical correction, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kevin Lam and the expert team at Family Foot & Leg Center to explore your treatment options.
Bunions can be painful and limiting, but having two bunions on the foot—a double bunion—can make every step a struggle. Many patients delay treatment, fearing long recovery times, visible scars, and post-surgical pain. However, with Dr. Kevin Lam’s advanced minimally invasive bunion surgery, patients can achieve a full correction with faster healing, minimal discomfort, and little to no visible scarring.
Before Surgery: Living with Double Bunions
Double bunions occur when both the big toe joint (hallux valgus) and the little toe joint (bunionette deformity) become misaligned. This leads to:
✅ Pain & swelling in tight shoes
✅ Difficulty walking due to pressure points
✅ Progressive deformity that worsens over time
Traditional bunion surgeries often involve large incisions, extensive soft tissue disruption, and lengthy recovery periods. But with Dr. Lam’s minimally invasive approach, patients now have a solution that delivers results without the downsides of conventional surgery.
Two Months Post-Op: Healing in Progress
At just eight weeks after surgery, patients are already seeing dramatic improvements:
✅ No more bunion pain—realignment of both joints allows for proper foot function.
✅ Faster mobility—patients return to daily activities much sooner than with traditional procedures.
✅ Minimal swelling and discomfort—thanks to small incisions and advanced surgical techniques.
Unlike traditional bunion surgery, which can require months of painful recovery, minimally invasive correction allows patients to walk immediately after surgery with a protective shoe.
Eight Weeks Later: No Bunion, No Scar
By the eight-week mark, patients are thrilled with their results:
✅ Double bunion completely corrected—both joints are properly realigned.
✅ No visible scarring—tiny incisions mean no large, unsightly marks.
✅ Back to normal activities—patients can comfortably wear shoes and enjoy pain-free movement.
Why Choose Dr. Kevin Lam’s Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery?
✅ Smaller Incisions, No Large Scars – Nearly invisible, cosmetic-friendly results.
✅ Faster Recovery – Walk immediately, return to normal life much sooner.
✅ Less Pain & Swelling – Minimal soft tissue trauma for a smoother healing process.
✅ Permanent Correction – Proper joint realignment to prevent recurrence.
If you’re struggling with bunions, don’t let pain hold you back. Dr. Kevin Lam specializes in state-of-the-art minimally invasive bunion correction, helping patients walk comfortably—without large ugly scars, long recoveries, or unnecessary pain.
📍 Dr. Kevin Lam | Family Foot & Leg Center | Naples, FL
Plantar fasciitis is a common and often debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes—it can severely limit daily activities. While conservative treatments like physical therapy, orthotics, and steroid injections can alleviate symptoms for many patients, some individuals continue to experience chronic pain. For these cases, post endoscopic cutting of the plantar fascia offers a minimally invasive and highly effective surgical solution.
Understanding Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia plays a critical role in supporting the arch of the foot and absorbing shock during movement. Chronic plantar fasciitis occurs when this tissue becomes persistently inflamed or thickened due to overuse, biomechanical issues, or insufficient healing. Over time, patients may develop a condition called plantar fasciosis, marked by degeneration of the fascia rather than inflammation.
Symptoms typically include:
- Intense heel pain, especially in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity.
- Pain that worsens after activity or long periods of standing.
- Stiffness or tenderness in the arch of the foot.
When nonsurgical options fail to provide relief, surgical intervention may be necessary.
What Is Endoscopic Cutting of the Plantar Fascia?
Post endoscopic cutting of the plantar fascia, also known as endoscopic plantar fasciotomy, is a minimally invasive procedure designed to release tension on the plantar fascia and allow the tissue to heal properly. The procedure involves:
1. Small Incisions: Two tiny incisions are made near the heel.
2. Insertion of an Endoscope: A small camera, or endoscope, is inserted through one incision to provide a clear view of the plantar fascia.
3. Precise Fascia Release: Through the other incision, a specialized instrument is used to carefully release a portion of the plantar fascia. This reduces tension and encourages proper healing.
The minimally invasive nature of this procedure minimizes tissue disruption and promotes faster recovery compared to traditional open surgeries.
Benefits of Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy
- Shorter Recovery Time: Patients typically experience a quicker return to normal activities due to the minimally invasive approach.
- Reduced Pain and Scarring: Smaller incisions mean less postoperative pain and minimal scarring.
- High Success Rates: Studies show significant improvement in pain and functionality for the majority of patients undergoing this procedure.
- Lower Risk of Complications: Compared to open surgery, endoscopic techniques carry a reduced risk of infection and other complications.
Who Is a Candidate for This Procedure?
Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy is typically recommended for patients who:
- Have suffered from chronic plantar fasciitis for six months or longer.
- Have not responded to conservative treatments such as stretching, physical therapy, and injections.
- Experience significant pain that interferes with daily activities and quality of life.
What to Expect After Surgery
Following the procedure, patients can expect:
- Immediate Pain Relief: Many patients report a noticeable reduction in pain shortly after surgery.
- Postoperative Care: The use of supportive footwear or orthotics and adherence to a rehabilitation plan can help optimize recovery.
- Gradual Return to Activity: Most patients can resume light activities within a few weeks, with a full return to normal activities in approximately six to eight weeks.
Partner with a Specialist You Can Trust
At Family Foot & Leg Center, we specialize in advanced, minimally invasive treatments for foot and ankle conditions, including endoscopic plantar fasciotomy. Dr. Kevin Lam’s expertise ensures that patients receive personalized care tailored to their unique needs, enabling them to regain mobility and enjoy a pain-free life.
If chronic plantar fasciitis is holding you back, schedule a consultation today to explore whether post endoscopic cutting of the plantar fascia is the right solution for you.
Ankle fusion is often considered a last-resort procedure for patients suffering from severe arthritis, trauma, or joint deformity. Traditionally, many people assume that ankle fusion leads to a loss of mobility, leaving patients with a stiff or "peg leg." However, advancements in surgical techniques have revolutionized how ankle fusions are performed, offering better outcomes and quicker recoveries. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of arthroscopic ankle fusion, a minimally invasive approach used at Family Foot & Leg Center by Dr. Kevin Lam.
What is Ankle Fusion?
Ankle fusion is a surgical procedure where the bones in the ankle joint are fused to relieve pain and improve stability. It's often recommended for patients who experience debilitating pain from conditions like arthritis, fractures, or degenerative joint disease. While traditional open ankle fusion involves large incisions and longer recovery periods, arthroscopic ankle fusion offers a minimally invasive alternative.
The Arthroscopic Advantage
At Family Foot & Leg Center, Dr. Kevin Lam uses arthroscopic techniques for ankle fusion, which means the procedure is performed with small incisions and a camera-guided tool. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Minimal Incisions: Unlike traditional surgery that requires large cuts, arthroscopic ankle fusion uses tiny incisions, reducing scarring and the risk of infection.
- Faster Recovery: With less tissue damage, patients experience quicker recovery times and can return to normal activities sooner.
- High Fusion Rates: Arthroscopic surgery boasts high fusion success rates, providing patients with long-lasting pain relief and stability.
- Lower Risk of Complications: Smaller incisions and minimal tissue disruption translate to fewer complications post-surgery.
Real Results: Pain-Free Walking and Mobility
In one of our recent cases, a patient with severe ankle arthritis underwent arthroscopic ankle fusion performed by Dr. Lam. Pre-surgery, the patient suffered from intense pain and difficulty walking. Post-surgery, they were able to move and walk pain-free, with excellent mobility.
Dr. Lam demonstrates the results:
"This is an X-ray of a patient with an ankle fusion. This is what it looks like clinically. Let's move it around, sir. Walking around without pain. Am I correct?"
The patient responds, confirming the absence of pain after the surgery.
Dr. Lam continues, "That ankle fusion looks good. Nice and solid. It's done arthroscopically, so you don’t have these major incisions on the side—the incisions are really small. It was done arthroscopically, so it's a high fusion rate with low complications."
He also highlights the remarkable improvement in the patient’s mobility:
"How much pain did you have before surgery versus now?"
"A lot of pain before; no pain now," the patient replies.
Dr. Lam follows up:
"Awesome. How many miles or steps are you walking a day?"
"A couple of miles a day," the patient proudly shares.
This case demonstrates the success of the arthroscopic ankle fusion procedure, providing the patient with not just a pain-free life, but also the ability to walk several miles a day without discomfort.
A High Fusion Success Rate, Low Risk
Dr. Kevin Lam’s arthroscopic approach minimizes the need for large incisions and lengthy recovery times, while ensuring a high rate of successful fusions. This method significantly reduces the likelihood of complications, such as infection or nerve damage, which are more common in traditional open procedures.
Is Arthroscopic Ankle Fusion Right for You?
If you’re struggling with chronic ankle pain, you don’t have to live with discomfort or limited mobility. Arthroscopic ankle fusion might be the solution you need. With minimal scarring, a quicker recovery, and excellent mobility post-surgery, this approach has changed the game for patients in need of ankle fusion.
At Family Foot & Leg Center, Dr. Kevin Lam and his team are dedicated to providing cutting-edge treatments that improve quality of life. If you're experiencing persistent ankle pain, schedule a consultation today to explore your options.
Contact Family Foot & Leg Center
Don’t let ankle pain hold you back any longer! To learn more about arthroscopic ankle fusion and other innovative treatments we offer, contact Dr. Kevin Lam at Family Foot & Leg Center. We're here to help you regain your mobility and live pain-free.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis and the Benefits of Endoscopic Plantar Fascial Release
Plantar fasciitis is a common yet painful condition that affects many people, causing sharp pain in the heel and the bottom of the foot. If you're suffering from this condition, you've likely tried various treatments, from stretching exercises to orthotics, with mixed results. However, for those who continue to experience debilitating pain, there is a minimally invasive surgical option that could offer immediate relief: Endoscopic Plantar Fascial Release.
What is Endoscopic Plantar Fascial Release?
Endoscopic Plantar Fascial Release is a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve the tension in the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. When this tissue becomes inflamed, it leads to plantar fasciitis, causing significant pain and discomfort, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of standing.
This procedure involves making a small incision in the foot through which an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) is inserted. The surgeon uses this endoscope to view the plantar fascia and make precise cuts to release the tension. Unlike traditional open surgery, the endoscopic approach offers several benefits, including smaller incisions, reduced scarring, and faster recovery times.
Real-Time Insight from Dr. Kevin Lam
In this video, Dr. Kevin Lam of Family Foot and Leg Center in Naples, FL, provides a look at plantar fasciitis and demonstrates the Endoscopic Plantar Fascial Release procedure. Dr. Lam, along with the skilled team at FFLC, is highly experienced in performing this and other advanced procedures to alleviate heel pain and other foot-related issues.
The video showcases the technique in real-time, giving viewers an inside look at how this straightforward and reliable procedure is performed. It's not just an educational resource—it’s a testament to the expertise and precision required to ensure successful outcomes.
Why Choose Endoscopic Plantar Fascial Release?
For patients who have tried conservative treatments without success, Endoscopic Plantar Fascial Release offers an effective alternative. When handled by a skilled surgeon like those at FFLC, relief is often immediate, allowing patients to return to their daily activities much sooner than with traditional surgery.
If you're struggling with heel pain or other foot-related issues, the team at FFLC is here to help. For more information about Endoscopic Plantar Fascial Release or to schedule a consultation, contact Family Foot and Leg Center at 239-430-3668. Don't let heel pain hold you back—discover the relief you deserve with the experts at FFLC.
Range of motion is good, patient is active, and able to go back to her activities.
Minimally invasive surgery gives you the benefit of virtually no scars, no joint stiffness, hardly any pain, and recovery is relatively easy.
Minimally invasive Bunion Surgery
http://www.scarlessbunion.com/
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We are doing follow-up. Almost a year from the bunionectomies? Not even? We did both feet.
"Yes."
We did the right foot and then we did the left foot. We did the bunion on this side as well as the bunionette on this side. Bunionette on the 5th. So we did a Peabody, reverse Peabody, minimally invasively, you see the scar is beautiful and then we see the scar over here, hardly any, this was from a recent injection. Excuse that.
So, range of motion is good, patient is active, able to go back to her activity. Incision is right here,
pin site is right here. As you can see there's no other bunions, Before she had a splay foot.
So this splayed out. That's what before it looks like, it a splay foot so that's why we did the bunionectomy and the reverse bunionectomy.
The minimally invasive gives you the benefit of no scars -- virtually no scars, no joint stiffness, and hardly any pain, recovery is relatively easy, am I correct?
"Yes."
Good, good, relatively.
"Yes."
It's still surgery.
"Yeah, it's all good."
But overall it looks good, are you happy with it?
"Yes."
Awesome.
Great results, awesome, less than a year for the other one, we're doing great. Back to work.
The Minimally Invasive Approach to Hallux Rigidus by Dr. Kevin Lam
Hallux rigidus, often referred to as big toe joint arthritis, is a debilitating condition that can severely impact mobility and quality of life. Often confused with bunions, Hallux rigidus and its precursor, Hallux limitus, present unique challenges for patients seeking relief. Let us explore the groundbreaking work of Dr. Kevin Lam, D.P.M., FACFAS, DABLES, DABPS, in revolutionizing the treatment of Hallux rigidus through minimally invasive techniques.
Understanding Hallux Rigidus and Hallux Limitus:
Before delving into treatment options, it's crucial to differentiate between Hallux rigidus and Hallux limitus. While both conditions affect the big toe joint, Hallux rigidus refers to advanced arthritis of the joint, resulting in stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion. Conversely, Hallux limitus is characterized by restricted motion at the joint, often mistaken for a dorsal bunion.
The Conventional Approach vs. Minimally Invasive Surgery:
Traditionally, the treatment for Hallux rigidus has involved joint fusion or more invasive surgical procedures. However, Dr. Kevin Lam has pioneered a minimally invasive approach that offers patients a faster recovery and superior outcomes.
In a live case demonstration, Dr. Lam showcases the minimally invasive technique, making a small stab incision and using a rotating burr to precisely remove the bone spur causing pain and stiffness. Unlike traditional methods, which may require extensive incisions and prolonged recovery periods, patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery heal with just one stitch and can walk immediately post-procedure.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery:
The advantages of minimally invasive surgery for Hallux rigidus are manifold. Patients experience minimal wound healing complications, reduced postoperative pain, and faster return to daily activities. Additionally, the preservation of healthy tissue and smaller incisions result in cosmetically appealing outcomes, with virtually no visible scarring.
Comparing Minimally Invasive Surgery to Traditional Joint Fusion:
One of the key distinctions between minimally invasive surgery and traditional joint fusion lies in the preservation of joint motion. While joint fusion aims to eliminate pain by fusing the bones together, it can limit mobility and may necessitate alterations in gait. In contrast, minimally invasive techniques focus on preserving joint function while addressing the underlying pathology, allowing patients to maintain a more natural range of motion and mobility.
Dr. Kevin Lam's innovative approach to treating Hallux rigidus represents a paradigm shift in foot and ankle surgery. By embracing minimally invasive techniques, patients can undergo treatment with confidence, knowing they'll experience less pain, faster recovery, and superior outcomes. If you're suffering from Hallux rigidus, consider consulting with Dr. Lam to explore the benefits of minimally invasive surgery and take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and quality of life.
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Video Transcription:
Hi guys this is Dr. Lam talking about hallux limitus, we're going to go over a case, a live case later on
but I just want to give you a little background of hallux limitus.
Hallux limitus or AKA big toe joint arthritis sometimes people come in and confuse that with a bunion, okay this foot model is a bunion but hallux limitus is what we call a dorsal bunion or you get this bunion, this bump on top of the big toe joint, it can also be gout but we can figure that out really easily with an x-ray. So let's talk about hallux limitus / rigidus today in this video, again we'll show you a live case and show now we're able to now make a small little incision on top, I'm gonna show you on top a small little incision you'll see a live case basically make a small incision on top right about here that's the big toe joint as you can see trying to work backwards here pretty much I stick a rotating burr that protects the tendon and the nerve, it only cuts bone no soft tissue; soft tissue is well protected so I make a small little stab incision, put this burr in there and just pretty much just burr down the spur basically just cut down the spur as you'll see
Okay this is Dr. Lam again coming to you from one of the rooms where we talk about hallux limitus, we're gonna go right here hallux rigidus make a small little incision in the skin, put the burr down here and just burr this down so that reach over and burr this down a little bit too and you'll see before and after the rigidus is very painful because it's jamming right about here, the joint is jamming so traditionally we would open it up, shave it down this way and you still cause a lot of stiffness, so what did we do? Didn't really help very much, right?
So now we're able to do it minimally invasively and able to burr this down without opening up the joint and that seems to get better results, we're not exposing the bone -- I mean we're not exposing to air and patients heel with one stitch they're walking on it right away, no wound healing complications and patients get back to activity almost right away depending on how bad your spur is. Now if it's really bad, the stage of the hallux limitus obviously the very severe cases the joint fusion is still the best choice but we pushed the limit on this before, I've had patients who say, "Doc I don't care, I know you tell me that I need a fusion or an implant but I would like to try the minimally invasive cheilectomy.
Well this case will show one of those cases, enjoy.
Hallux rigidus right here, big bump on top right here the whole joint is inflamed, it's locked and there's really not much motion and range of motion is right about here, it's locked so the bones were right here so that we're going to try to get rid of this with the minimally invasive method, we're going to look from here this side again, you see that locking mechanism right there causing a lot of pain, the goal is to go ahead and shave this bunch off with a small little incision so that the joint can at least move up to about 90 degrees today, that's my goal today is get up to 90 degrees with the MIS method. Let's take a look.
Take a shot. Finish off right here, and that's what we have, just pull out the bone paste all that bone paste out of the bone, okay, yes, that's all the bone paste, now let's watch the range of motion now, we had a big spur right here before on both sides, now motion motion is great checking the motion right here check out the motion from the side, range of motion pushing that motion all the way up.
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