What Causes Bunions?
A bunion is a progressive structural change in the alignment of your foot, and left alone, it tends to get worse, not better. Whether you have just noticed one forming or you have been squeezing into wider shoes for years, you have options.
Bunions develop when the bones of the big toe joint shift out of alignment, pushing the joint outward while the toe leans toward its neighbours. Genetics play a significant role, so if your parents had bunions, you are more likely to develop them. Foot structure, certain types of arthritis, and years of narrow or high-heeled footwear can all accelerate the process.
Symptoms to Watch For
Conservative Care First
We always start with the most conservative approach that fits your situation, then escalate only if the bunion keeps limiting your life. Most people are surprised by how much relief the right combination of non-surgical measures can provide before anything more is considered.
Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction
Traditional bunion surgery shaves the bump and shifts the bone, addressing the problem in only two dimensions, which is a significant reason bunions historically returned. Lapiplasty realigns the entire metatarsal bone in all three dimensions and secures the unstable joint, the root cause, with titanium plating.
Dr. Wendy Winckelbach has extensive experience with Lapiplasty and will give you a straight assessment of whether you are a candidate.
Bunion FAQ
A bunion is a bony bump that forms when the big toe joint shifts out of alignment, pushing the joint outward while the toe leans toward the smaller toes. It is a progressive structural change, not just a cosmetic bump. Genetics, foot structure, certain types of arthritis, and years of narrow or high-heeled footwear can all contribute.
No. Bunions are structural and progressive, so they do not reverse without treatment. Not every bunion needs surgery, though. Many patients manage symptoms successfully with conservative care such as footwear changes, padding, and custom orthotics for years.
Consider an evaluation if your bunion is painful most days, limiting your footwear choices, or visibly progressing. During your visit we examine the joint, review imaging, and give you a straight recommendation. If surgery is not the right call yet, we will tell you that too.
Lapiplasty is a 3D bunion correction that realigns the entire metatarsal bone in all three dimensions and secures the unstable joint, the root cause of the bunion, with titanium plating. Traditional surgery only corrects two dimensions, which is a significant reason bunions historically returned. Lapiplasty is associated with a substantially lower recurrence rate.
Most patients can bear weight in a walking boot within days of surgery rather than spending weeks off the foot. A full return to normal activities typically takes several weeks. Recovery varies by patient, so we provide a personalised timeline at your consultation.
Usually yes. The goal is to keep you moving. We help you find footwear, support, and a treatment plan that lets you stay active while protecting the joint. If activity is becoming painful, that is a good reason to schedule an evaluation.
Genetics play a significant role. If your parents had bunions, you are more likely to develop them because the underlying foot structure that leads to bunions can be inherited. Footwear and activity then influence how quickly a bunion progresses.
Take the Next Step Toward Bunion Relief
Get a clear assessment, understand your treatment options, and find the right path forward.