Here are the key points:

• Day of Surgery:
  • Arrival at the surgery center, where preparation and anesthesia discussions occur.
  • The surgery typically lasts around 2 hours, involving incisions, bunion removal, and toe joint realignment.
• Recovery Timeline:
  
  • Post-operative care in the recovery room with monitoring and pain management.
  • Most patients go home on the same day.
• First Weeks After Surgery:
  
  • Pain management with prescribed medication.
  • Swelling and bruising are normal; ice packs and elevation help.
  • Weight-bearing timeline varies, with gradual progression from non-weight bearing to partial weight bearing over weeks.
  • First 2 weeks after the Lapiplasty, using a scooter or crutches and keeping weight off week 3-6 after surgery you start to progressively bear weight with your boot. For example, at the beginning of week 3 you will spend 15 minutes per hour allowing weight with the boot on your heel. The following week you'll spend 20 - 30 minutes per hour with the boot and with the final week 45 minutes per hour with the boot.
• Long-Term Recovery:
  
  • Physical therapy may be recommended after 4-6 weeks to restore strength and flexibility.
  • Driving can be as early as 6 weeks after surgery.
  • Using the stationary bike and upper body workout can be done as early as week 5 - 6 after surgery.
  • Gradual return to normal activities over several months. Bone healing and stability of the fusion site usually occurs after the initial 4 months. This is why it's necessary to wait for high-impact activities like jumping and running until 4 months.
  • Full recovery can take six months to a year.
• Complications:
  
  • Working closely with our patients, our goal is to avoid complications such as infection, poor wound healing, nerve damage, or bunion recurrence.
  • Following post-operative care instructions is crucial to avoid these complications.
• Conclusion:
• Bunion surgery can be life-changing and literally change the structure of your foot.
• Patients should follow their surgeon's advice for a smoother recovery and embrace a more comfortable, active lifestyle with patience and proper care.

If you have any questions or would like a consultation please call 425-391-8666 and make an appointment online.

Dr. Timothy Young
Foot & Ankle Surgeon
Issaquah’s Top Podiatrist

Neuromas are an inflammatory disorder of the nerves in your foot. Typically, it is in the forefoot between the 3rd and 4th toe. It most commonly presents in the 3-5th decade of life and seems to be more common in women.

Causes:

The most common cause appears to be foot structure. We see patients that have a higher arched foot put a lot of pressure on their forefoot. This reparative pressure can inflame the nerves in the front of the foot causing a neuroma to form. Footwear choices can further exacerbate this, especially narrow shoes, or high heels. Other things like repetitive stress, running, jumping, anything that causes more forefoot pressure can cause neuroma pain.

Symptoms:

The symptoms can vary from patient to patient. However, some of the most common symptoms include burning, tingling and pain. Some patients relate that taking off their shoes reduces the pain and burning. Some relate rubbing helps the symptoms and some may feel a lump with rubbing of their foot.

Treatments:

We have many options available for treatment of neuromas. Some of the most common included orthotics, NSAIDS, and injections. I personally like to use dehydrated alcohol therapy it seems to have the highest success rate approaching 90%. Before treatment the most important thing is to get a correct diagnosis.

Neuromas can be very challenging and there are a few other problems that mimic neuroma symptoms. A careful diagnosis and treatment plan can be successful and not result in the need for surgical removal of the neuroma.

If you would like a consultation for your neuroma pain I can help. Call to make an appointment with me at 425-391-8666.

Sincerely,

Dr Brandon Nelson
American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons
Issaquah’s Top Podiatrist

Custom orthotics offer a tailored approach to foot health, providing a host of benefits that extend far beyond conventional shoe inserts. One of the primary advantages lies in their ability to address specific biomechanical issues. Unlike off-the-shelf inserts, custom orthotics are crafted based on an individual's unique foot structure, gait, and any existing foot conditions.

The personalized design of custom orthotics ensures optimal support for the arches, promoting proper alignment and distributing pressure evenly across the feet. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with issues such as overpronation or underpronation, as custom orthotics help correct imbalances that may lead to discomfort or injury.

Beyond biomechanics, custom orthotics can alleviate a range of foot problems, including plantar fasciitis, bunions, and metatarsalgia. They provide targeted relief to areas under stress, reducing pain and inflammation. Additionally, for those with specific medical conditions like diabetes, custom orthotics can play a crucial role in preventing complications associated with poor foot health.

Comfort is another key aspect of custom orthotics. By accommodating the unique contours of an individual's feet, these inserts enhance overall comfort, making daily activities more enjoyable. Whether for athletes looking to optimize performance or individuals seeking relief from chronic foot pain, custom orthotics offer a versatile solution.

Investing in custom orthotics is an investment in long-term foot health. They not only provide immediate relief but also contribute to the prevention of future issues. With the ability to seamlessly integrate into various types of footwear, custom orthotics empower individuals to prioritize foot comfort without compromising on style. In essence, custom orthotics are a personalized prescription for happy, healthy, and pain-free feet.

The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body. Its purpose is to connect the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. This tendon is responsible for facilitating all types of movement, like walking and running. This tendon provides an enormous amount of mobility for the body. Any injuries inflicted to this tissue should be immediately brought up with a physician to prevent further damage. 

The most common injuries that can trouble the Achilles tendon are tendon ruptures and Achilles tendinitis. Achilles tendinitis is the milder of the two injuries. It can be recognized by the following symptoms: inflammation, dull-to-severe pain, increased blood flow to the tendon, thickening of the tendon, and slower movement time. Tendinitis can be treated via several methods and is often diagnosed by an MRI. 

An Achilles tendon rupture is trickier to heal, and is by far the most painful injury. It is caused by the tendon ripping or completely snapping. The results are immediate and absolutely devastating, and will render the patient immobile. If a rupture or tear occurs, operative and non-operative methods are available. Once the treatment begins, depending on the severity of the injury, recovery time for these types of issues can take up to a year. 

Simple preventative measures can be taken as a means to avoid both injuries. Prior to any movement, taking a few minutes to stretch out the tendon is a great way to stimulate the tissue. Calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses are all suggested ways to help strengthen the lower legs and promote Achilles tendon health. 

Many problems arise among athletes and people who overexert themselves while exercising. Problems can also happen among those who do not warm up properly before beginning an activity. Proper, comfortable shoes that fit correctly can also decrease tendon injuries. Some professionals also suggest that when exercising, you should make sure that the floor you are on is cushioned or has a mat. This will relieve pressure on the heels. A healthy diet will also increase tendon health. 

It is very important to seek out a podiatrist if you believe you have an injury in the Achilles region. Further damage could result in severe complications that would make being mobile difficult, if not impossible.

Morton’s neuroma, (also referred to as Morton’s metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuralgia, plantar neuroma or intermetatarsal neuroma) is a condition that is caused when the tissue around one of the nerves between your toes begins to thicken. This thickening can result in pain in the ball of the foot. Fortunately, the condition itself is not cancerous.

Morton’s neuroma affects women more often than men with a ratio of 4:1. It tends to target women between the age of 50 and 60, but it can occur in people of all ages. There are some risk factors that may put you at a slightly higher risk of developing the condition. People who often wear narrow or high-heeled shoes are often found to be linked to Morton’s neuroma. Additionally, activities such as running or jogging can put an enormous amount of pressure on the ligament and cause the nerve to thicken.

There usually aren’t any outward symptoms of this condition. A person who has Morton’s neuroma may feel as if they are standing on a pebble in their shoe. They may also feel a tingling or numbness in the toes as well as a burning pain in the ball of their foot that may radiate to their toes.

In order to properly diagnose you, the doctor will press on your foot to feel for a mass or tender spot. He may also do a series of tests such as x-rays, an ultrasound, or an MRI. X-rays are usually done to rule out any other causes for your foot pain such as a stress fracture. Ultrasounds are used to reveal soft tissue abnormalities that may exist, such as neuromas. Your podiatrist may want to use an MRI in order to visualize your soft tissues.

There are three main options for treatment of Morton’s neuroma: Injections, decompression surgery, and removal of the nerve. Injections of steroids into the painful area have been proven to help those with Morton’s neuroma. Decompression surgery has been shown to relieve pressure on the affected nerve by cutting nearby structures such as the ligaments in the foot. Another treatment option would be to surgically remove the growth to provide pain relief.

If you suspect that you have Morton’s neuroma you should make an appointment with your podiatrist right away. You shouldn’t ignore any foot pain that lasts longer than a few days, especially if the pain does not improve.