Bunion & Hammertoe Treatment in Lake Travis & Lake Travis, TX
Bunions and hammertoes are among the most common structural foot deformities — and among the most undertreated. Many patients live with pain and embarrassment for years, not realizing that effective, minimally invasive solutions exist. At Elite Foot & Ankle Associates near Lake Travis, TX, we offer the full spectrum of care, including Lapiplasty® 3D bunion correction, so you can wear shoes comfortably and walk without pain.
WHAT IS IT?
A bunion (hallux valgus) is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint shifts out of alignment, pushing the big toe toward the smaller toes. A hammertoe is an abnormal bend in one or more of the smaller toes, causing the joint to buckle upward. Both conditions are progressive — they worsen over time without treatment.
COMMON CAUSES
- Inherited foot structure that predisposes to misalignment
- Ill-fitting footwear, especially narrow-toed or high-heeled shoes
- Flat feet or abnormal gait mechanics
- Arthritis causing joint deterioration
- Neuromuscular conditions affecting muscle balance
- Prior foot injuries
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- A visible bony bump on the side of the foot at the big toe joint
- Redness, swelling, and soreness around the big toe joint
- Toe pointing inward toward or overlapping other toes
- Persistent or intermittent pain when walking or wearing shoes
- Bent, rigid, or painful smaller toes
- Calluses or corns on toes where they rub against shoes
- Restricted motion in the big toe
TREATMENT OPTIONS
- Conservative: wide toe-box footwear, custom orthotics, padding, anti-inflammatory medications
- Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction — our preferred surgical approach correcting bunions in three dimensions, allowing weight-bearing within days
- Traditional bunionectomy for appropriate cases
- Hammertoe straightening procedures (tendon release, joint fusion, or arthroplasty)
- Post-surgical rehabilitation and gait retraining
WHY ELITE FOOT & ANKLE?
Elite Foot & Ankle offers Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction, an advanced procedure that corrects the root cause of bunions — not just the visible bump — significantly reducing the risk of recurrence. Our experienced podiatrists evaluate each patient individually to recommend the least invasive, most effective approach. Most Lapiplasty® patients walk within 1–2 weeks post-surgery.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Lapiplasty® corrects the bunion in all three dimensions by rotating the entire metatarsal bone back into proper alignment and securing it with titanium plates. Traditional surgery shaves the bump but doesn't address the underlying instability, which is why recurrence is common. Lapiplasty® dramatically reduces recurrence risk.
Yes and we always try conservative options first. Custom orthotics, wider shoes, padding, and anti-inflammatory treatments can relieve pain and slow progression. However, orthotics do not reverse the deformity. Surgery is recommended when pain significantly impacts daily life.
With Lapiplasty®, most patients walk in a boot within days and return to regular shoes in 6–8 weeks. Traditional bunionectomy typically requires 6–12 weeks of limited weight-bearing. We'll create a recovery plan specific to your procedure and lifestyle.
Early-stage hammertoes are flexible and often painless. As the deformity progresses, the toe becomes rigid and friction from shoes causes painful corns and calluses. Early treatment is always easier than treating a fixed hammertoe.
Most insurance plans cover medically necessary bunion surgery. Our team handles prior authorization and insurance verification. Call our office and we'll check your specific coverage before your appointment.
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Ready to finally address your bunion or hammertoe pain? Contact Elite Foot & Ankle Associates near Lake Travis, TX at (512) 907-3100 or book an appointment online. Serving the Lake Travis area, including Bee Cave, Westlake, and Lakeway.
