Before Your Bunionectomy: What Your Doctor May Not Tell You

Are you contemplating a bunionectomy in Southwest Florida? Before you take the next step, it's crucial to be well-informed about what to expect. While your podiatrist will undoubtedly provide valuable guidance, there are certain aspects they may not always discuss.

Understanding the Bunionectomy Process:

A bunionectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting a bunion—a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, often causing pain and discomfort. While the surgical techniques and approaches may vary, the primary goal is to realign the affected bones, remove the bunion, and restore proper foot function.

Empowering Yourself with Knowledge:

To ensure the best possible outcome from your bunionectomy, it's essential to take an active role in your treatment journey. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask your podiatrist about any concerns or questions you may have regarding the procedure, recovery, or potential risks.

   

2. Seek Second Opinions: Consider seeking a second opinion from another podiatrist to gain additional insights and ensure that a bunionectomy is the best course of action for your condition.

3. Educate Yourself: Take the time to research bunionectomies, familiarize yourself with the procedure, and understand what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

4. Choosing the right foot surgeon for your bunionectomy is essential. Begin by researching specialists in your area, ensuring they are board-certified and have relevant experience. Read patient reviews to gauge their skill and patient satisfaction. During consultations, inquire about their success rates and patient outcomes. Trust your instincts and select a surgeon with whom you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities to provide personalized care and achieve optimal results.

A bunionectomy is a significant decision that can greatly impact your quality of life. By being proactive, asking the right questions, and seeking out comprehensive information, you can ensure that you're fully prepared for the journey ahead. Remember, your podiatrist is there to guide you, but ultimately, the more informed you are, the better equipped you'll be to make decisions that prioritize your foot health and overall well-being.

Dr. Kevin Lam is Double Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. First Podiatrist in Collier County, Florida to achieve such double certification. Only 900+ DPM's are double certified in the United States. Named Amongst America’s Top Podiatrists and top Doctors in SWFL by various publications: 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2024 he is also sought after for his expertise in minimally invasive bunion surgery technique. Dr. Lam modified the technique, Lam Bunionectomy, to be done in the office and to allow for the quickest healing without any complications.    

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This is status-post four weeks bunionectomy -- minimally invasive bunionectomy. This is -- believe it or not -- this was the better foot, this was the worse foot, so we did that one first. This is four weeks, no scar.

We have one wire we're gonna keep in for another two weeks back there, but that was the incision right there.

So right here at the fifth, first and this is the better foot of the two. So again we're gonna let this one heal and then go on to that one. We're at four weeks now, very minimal swelling, she's doing really good, her range of motion for the first MPJ is really, really good.

So, no crepitus because there's no opening there. The opening is on the side. They're very beautiful, one stitch did the trick and we're ready.

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At the Family Foot & Leg Center (FFLC), we take pride in our expansive network of cutting-edge clinics spread strategically throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties, ensuring that no matter where you are in Florida, expert foot and ankle care is within reach. Our mission is to help you overcome your foot and ankle challenges swiftly and effectively, so you can return to your active lifestyle as quickly as possible. With our advanced treatment options and a team of dedicated specialists, FFLC is committed to providing you with the best care possible, conveniently located right in your neighborhood.

Secret of Heel pain, plantar fasciitis, heel spur syndrome what you need to know now

 

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. This inflammation often leads to intense heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest.

Several factors can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, including overuse or repetitive strain on the feet, improper footwear, high arches, flat feet, obesity, and tight calf muscles. Athletes, runners, and individuals who spend prolonged periods on their feet are particularly susceptible to this condition.

The symptoms of plantar fasciitis can vary in intensity, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with daily activities. Without proper treatment, the condition can worsen over time, impacting mobility and quality of life

If you're experiencing persistent heel pain or suspect you may have plantar fasciitis, it's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Don't let plantar fasciitis hold you back – with the right approach, you can find relief and get back to enjoying life to the fullest. The Family Foot & Leg Center (FFLC) prides itself on its network of cutting-edge clinics strategically positioned throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties, ensuring accessible expert foot and ankle care across Florida. Our goal is to swiftly and effectively address your foot and ankle challenges, enabling you to resume your active lifestyle promptly. Equipped with advanced treatment modalities and staffed by a team of devoted specialists, FFLC is dedicated to delivering top-notch care conveniently situated in your local community.

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Hey guys, Dr. Lam. We are here to talk about plantar fasciitis and surgery for plantar fasciitis. Yes, surgery. You know, a small amount of patients will benefit from surgery. Most -- majority of patients, I will say 85 - 90 percent of our patients do well with conservative care. What is conservative care? Well, you have natural anti-inflammatories, you have stretching techniques, physical therapy is really big, inserts, injections, etcetera, there's also shockwave therapy but let's say all those things fail or you know, you can't afford to pay for shockwave therapy because it is not covered by by insurance but what we have that's a great alternative to that is endoscopic plantar fascial release. I'm gonna show you a little video of that later on of an actual case and I'll talk through it. It's a very short video following this explanation. So you have an idea. This is plantar fasciitis on the bottom of the foot, that's your heel. As you can see, it's nicely marked. So what we're gonna see later in the video, there's a camera going in through one side right about here and it's looking up, it's looking right up at this just as you're looking up but that's what you'd be seeing on the -- there you go, going into zoom so that's what you'd be seeing later on, you'll just be seeing this tissue, this band of tissue and then what you'll also see later on, a blade going in from this side just cutting this right about there, that's what you'll be seeing on the video and why is that important? What is plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of this rubber band down on the bottom of the foot It actually looks like a rubber band when we go into surgery so that's how I explain to my patients. So why does this cause a problem? Well number one is it's almost like a pinnacle  where your heel strike, number one. Number two, this tissue right here it could be -- you can have little micro tears or macro tears you can have a little tearing of this tissue as you step down wrong or you stepped out on an object, some Legos, anything. Poor choice of shoewear where it's not padded enough and you're getting a lot of injury -- repetitive injury to this, you're not letting it heal. Another theory is you can have some inflammation on the bone inside or what we call venous congestion in there, that's another theory behind that that's why we see a lot of inflammation on an MRI inside the bone or on the plantar fascia or both So obviously, typically we try to do the conservative thing first and if that doesn't work then we move on to more aggressive surgical care. So we're gonna go on to the video of the endoscopic plantar fasciectomy. I'm gonna go ahead and try to talk through it. It's really not much, again, it's a very short video so again you'll see me -- actually the camera is actually inserted on this side on the outside of the foot, 5th metatarsal side the cameras gonna be coming in this way while I cut this side that's what you're gonna see initially I would go in through this side right here to view everything but and then when we come to cutting I reverse the camera, I come in here, the camera's there to look, this is the camera now to look as I take the surgical blade now this is a surgical blade, let's see if I can get another pen here so as not to confuse anyone, this is a surgical blade, again the camera's looking and a surgical blade is right here and you cut, pull back and cut and that is what you're gonna see on the video, any questions let us know. This is a quick procedure, it's about 30 minutes or less from going into the operating room to them prepping, us giving a little anesthesia, to putting in the last stitch which is only about two so go on from there, any comments, concerns let me know. Hopefully this will explain one of our common procedures called endoscopic plantar fasciectomy for chronic plantar fasciitis or plantar fasciosis. Hey guys, this is Dr. Lam. We are going live on the video this is an actual EPF procedure -- endoscopic plantar fasciectomy this is again the camera going in from the outside of the foot, fifth metatarsal side looking at the medial side of the foot as you can see that is a nice curved blade this is all through a couple millimeters incision actually as you can see the fat is underneath on this down side right here and then the blade is cutting the plantar fascia which is this white tissue  right here you see the red underneath that is the muscle belly of the flexor tendon down there so a flexor muscle belly, so we cut until all the white portion is cut which is the plantar fascia we're only cutting a certain amount that is pre measured and you can see I'm moving around the probe just to -- this is just feeling make sure I have every fiber cut as you can see this is a thick fiber right here, this white is the plantar fascia, again the red is the muscle belly underneath there. In chronically inflamed plantar fasciitis you would see that thickened tissue requires a couple passes with that blade again it's all done endoscopically, the incisions are really small we're seeing on the screen as you see right here looks like it's getting a little blurry from the fog so that's it.

Transforming Lives: Big Toe Fusion Surgery Explained

At Family Foot & Leg Center, we understand the impact that foot conditions can have on your daily life. One such condition that can significantly affect mobility and quality of life is arthritis of the big toe joint. Big toe fusion surgery, also known as arthrodesis, is a transformative procedure that can provide relief and restore function to those suffering from this debilitating condition.

Understanding Big Toe Arthritis:

Arthritis of the big toe joint, also known as hallux rigidus, is a condition characterized by the degeneration of cartilage in the joint. This degeneration leads to pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the big toe. Everyday activities such as walking, standing, and even wearing shoes can become excruciatingly painful for individuals with this condition.

The Big Toe Fusion Solution:

Big toe fusion surgery is a highly effective treatment option for advanced cases of hallux rigidus. During the procedure, the damaged cartilage in the big toe joint is removed, and the bones are fused together using screws or plates. This fusion eliminates motion in the joint, effectively alleviating pain and restoring stability to the foot.

Transforming Lives:

The impact of big toe fusion surgery on patients' lives is truly remarkable. By eliminating the debilitating pain associated with hallux rigidus, this procedure enables individuals to regain their mobility and return to the activities they love. Whether it's walking, running, or simply enjoying a pain-free existence, big toe fusion surgery can significantly improve overall quality of life.

Recovery and Rehabilitation:

Following big toe fusion surgery, patients will undergo a period of recovery and rehabilitation. Our team at Family Foot & Leg Center will provide comprehensive post-operative care, including guidance on proper wound care, physical therapy exercises, and footwear recommendations. With dedication to the recovery process, patients can expect to resume normal activities within a few months post-surgery.

We're dedicated to transforming lives through advanced foot care solutions like big toe fusion surgery. If you're suffering from the debilitating effects of big toe arthritis, don't hesitate to reach out to our experienced team for personalized treatment options. Together, we can help you reclaim your mobility, alleviate pain, and get back to living life to the fullest.

Transform your life today with big toe fusion surgery at NaplesPodiatrist.com. Schedule your consultation now!

Call: 239 430 3668 @option 2 at voice prompt

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At the Family Foot & Leg Center (FFLC), we take pride in our expansive network of cutting-edge clinics spread strategically throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties, ensuring that no matter where you are in Florida, expert foot and ankle care is within reach. Our mission is to help you overcome your foot and ankle challenges swiftly and effectively, so you can return to your active lifestyle as quickly as possible. With our advanced treatment options and a team of dedicated specialists, FFLC is committed to providing you with the best care possible, conveniently located right in your neighborhood.

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Dr. Lam here with a patient with a first MPJ fusion.. This patient had this surgery about six months ago and she has no pain, you're able to walk? No problems? Correct?

"Well, let's see, it was last September, once we took that extra screw out, not extra one but the one that was giving me problems, it's been great."

Awesome. Now a lot of people are afraid of this whole fusion thing but you know, but it takes away the pain, take away the arthritic joint, put plates and screw on top of it and typically patients do really well, you're able to go on your trip like you said you went to London and everything else and no problems there right? You are able to walk with these fancy shoes?

"No I had better shoes on." [laughs]

Okay, but it's looking really good, you can't even tell. The alignment is perfect on this. We go to a straight shot to the x-ray real quick, we have right here, the x-ray right about here we're gonna go actually right here, you see the plate and screws, everything's in order, everything is fused and we'll leave it at that.

Flat foot repair | Pediatric Flatfoot | Before and After Surgery

 

Pre and post op range of motion. 

What you need to see about pediatric flat foot.   

Board Certified doctor to get it done right or revise.

In this informative video, we delve into the world of flat foot surgery and how it can be successfully performed by a skilled podiatric surgeon. Learn all about flat feet, pediatric flat feet, and how a doctors at Naplespodiatrist.com can help correct this common foot condition. Don't miss out on this valuable insight - visit our website for more information. #flatfoot #naplespodiatrist #flatfeetsurgery #podiatricsurgeon #healthcare.

FFLC has several centers throughout Lee, Collier, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties in Florida to 

get you back on your feet.

Call us at (239) 430-3668 (FOOT)

#flatfoot #flatfeet #pediatricflatfoot #footpain #footsurgery #flatfootsurgery #flatfeetsurgery #fflc #swfl #podiatrist #podiatrists 

#LeeCounty #CollierCounty #PortCharlotte #CapeCoral #Estero #FtMyers  #Naples #Sarasota

Emergency patients welcome.

FFLC offices for 24/7 self scheduling

Patient portal link

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Video transcription:

So, pronation right here, right here pronation, so patient had previous surgery but it wasn't locked in. So previous surgery, went to go back in and cleaned that up for her, but basically she's not locked. She's still pronating as you can see.

So we're gonna stop that pronation today and go ahead and we fix that area for her.

So here we go.

This is -- we are status-post procedure right now.

Before loosey-goosey with pronating, you see now no pronation.

We have the Evans Graft in there.

We have -- I'm pushing pretty hard on the fifth metatarsal base, loading the foot, the ankle is nice and straight, it's not going anywhere, he has a little bit more give, it pronates slightly just as normal and the flexor tendon transfer was done, so you see it's nice and stiff, it's locked and loaded, ready to go. Good job.

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At the Family Foot & Leg Center (FFLC), we take pride in our expansive network of cutting-edge clinics spread strategically throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties, ensuring that no matter where you are in Florida, expert foot and ankle care is within reach. Our mission is to help you overcome your foot and ankle challenges swiftly and effectively, so you can return to your active lifestyle as quickly as possible. With our advanced treatment options and a team of dedicated specialists, FFLC is committed to providing you with the best care possible, conveniently located right in your neighborhood.

No scar bunion surgery 3 years ago

Common cause for ingrown nails

Things You Should Know If You are Considering Bunion Surgery

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is a bony deformity found at the base of the big toe. More commonly found in women, this condition is also called hallux valgus. A number of female celebrities also have bunions on their feet like Posh Spice Victoria Beckham, Hidden Dragon Crouching Tiger actress Michelle Yeoh, Emmy Award Nominee Christina Hendricks, TV personality, socialite, and heiress Paris Hilton, Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, George Clooney’s wife Amal, supermodel Naomi Campbell, and even America's favorite queen of talk, Oprah Winfrey.

The bump is caused by a shift or deviation of the bone in your large toe. It can cause pain, inflammation, and/or redness. When the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe is affected, this is referred to as tailor’s bunion or a bunionette.

The other signs and symptoms of bunions include

• a bony bump on the outside edge of the foot
• pain over the big toe joint that’s made worse by pressure from high heels or tight shoes
• swelling over the big toe joint
• sore skin over the top of the bunion
• hard, callused and red skin
• noticeable change in the shape of the foot
• finding shoes that fit because of the altered shape of the foot

Bunions may start small but over time, it may become bigger. If one continues to wear tight narrow shoes, it can be more painful and difficult to walk. 

The exact cause of bunions in not known but genetics seems to play a big role. Other possible causes are existing foot conditions like flat feet, high arches, overpronation and various foot problems like arthritis, sprains, and fractures. Wearing shoes that do not fit well or very high-heeled tight shoes may not actually cause bunions but may make the deformity progressively worse. 

Conservative Treatment for Bunions

There are a number of nonsurgical ways to manage bunions. The first step is to wear the right type of shoes. These should be wide enough especially in the toe box to accommodate the bunion. Shoes with flexible soles to support the foot are also helpful. Shoes with a back should be able to keep the heels snugly in place. Keep away from high-heeled shoes. Anything higher than an inch can put undue stress on the bunion. 

In cases where the bunion is irritated and painful, either ice packs or warm soaks can soothe the soreness. Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory medications or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin may help with the pain. For more severe cases, cortisone injections can temporarily relieve pain by reducing inflammation but they can have side effects especially in high doses and multiple shots. 

A simpler method to involves the use of a thermoplastic splint. This is supposed to relieve bunion pain, straighten the big toe, and reduce the size of the bump. With proper compliance, patients can resume their with lesser to no pain. Splints may also provide bunion pain relief for those with severe stages of bunion.

Passive and active exercises may also relieve bunion symptoms and increase flexibility. These include toe stretches, toe flexing and contracting, ball roll, resistance exercises, towel curls, picking up marbles with the toes, and even walking along the beach or sand which serves as a gentle foot massage. 

Keeping a normal weight also helps with bunion problems. 

Gel-filled pads or moleskin are readily available at drugstores. Similarly, these provide support and relieve bunion pain. 

However, it is important to note that these conservative measures will not get rid of the bunion because the bunion is a biomechanical deformity. These can only help in relieving the symptoms or may delay its progression. The only way to treat bunions is through bunion surgery.

When is surgery needed for bunion?

When all conservative and nonsurgical bunion treatments fail and the pain interferes with the daily activities, then it may be time to visit your podiatrist. Discuss your options and the different surgical methods for bunion treatment. 

The traditional bunion surgery involves a long incision and has a reputation of being painful with a lengthy recovery period. The cut is done to expose the bulging bone. Then a part of the metatarsal head is removed, then the bone is cut around the neck of the metatarsal bone. The free head is repositioned to a more normal position. Once the bones are well-positioned they are pinned to place and excess bone is removed. In traditional bunion surgery expect swelling and pain after surgery and it takes 6 to 8 weeks of recovery time.

The newer methods for removing bunions such as the minimally invasive bunion surgery involve very small incision. 

The modified Lam /scarless bunion surgery is an innovative method that is virtually painless and scarless bunion treatment. 

Dr. Kevin Lam, a Double Certified foot and ankle surgeon in Naples, Florida has developed the Lam modification bunion surgery which utilizes a very small incision, minimal discomfort, and virtually painless scarless bunion surgery. 

  

 

The new fixation technique allows a patient to be up and about the same day! 

It is very important that this ground-breaking technique is performed by a specialist foot and ankle surgeon who has extensive experience in all bunion surgery techniques. 

  

   

For more infomation, call or visit any of the Family Foot and Leg Center, P.A. offices conveniently located in Naples (Goodlette Medical Park), North Naples (Royal Palm Medical Building, Medical Blvd), and East Naples (Gridley Building, Tamiami Trail East) or contact (239) 430-3668 (FOOT)