Modern Bunion & Toe Correction in Fort Mill

Sidelined by painful bunions, hammertoes, or joint stiffness? Dr. Lanier specializes in advanced minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques designed for smaller incisions, significantly less pain, and a faster return to your active lifestyle.

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You Don’t Have to Suffer Through Traditional Bunion Surgery

Many patients delay seeking care for painful bunions or crooked toes because they fear horror stories of long, painful recoveries, weeks off their feet, and unsightly surgical scars. At SmartStep Foot & Ankle, we take a modern approach to bunion care.

Dr. Lanier utilizes state-of-the-art minimally invasive surgery. Instead of creating large incisions through healthy muscle and soft tissue, MIS uses micro-incisions to realign bone and relieve joint pressure. This approach means we can often minimize post-operative pain and swelling, and many patients walk in a protective boot within days rather than staying off their feet for weeks or months.

Micro-Incisions: Often results in minimal scarring & lower risk of infection.

Soft-Tissue Preservation: Can mean less pain & swelling.

Rapid Weight-Bearing: Many patients walk in days, not weeks.

smiling woman talking to her podiatrist about bunion treatment options

Dr. Lanier takes the time to listen to your concerns and evaluate your unique biomechanics before recommending any procedure. In fact, many patients discover they don’t need surgery right away.

Non-Surgical Relief: For mild deformities, we utilize custom orthotics, wide-toe shoe guidance, targeted padding, and natural anti-inflammatory protocols to keep you comfortable.
Advanced Surgical Correction: When non-surgical care isn’t enough, Dr. Lanier performs outpatient MIS procedures using advanced techniques that often result in less downtime and faster recovery.
Bio-Absorbable Hardware: Where appropriate, we utilize non-metal surgical screws or pins that naturally integrate into your bone over time, eliminating the risk of cold-weather hardware sensitivity or future removal surgeries.

podiatric surgeons performing a minimally invasive procedure on a bunion

Tiny Incisions and soft-tissue preservation can lead to faster healing.

a woman running after having her bunions treated by a podiatrist

High-tech non-metal hardware available to avoid future removal.

Same-day & next-day appointments reserved daily.

Forefoot pain often stems from structural shifts that alter how your foot absorbs weight. Dr. Lanier provides comprehensive non-surgical and surgical options for a wide range of toe issues:

Condition	Common Symptoms	Our Advanced Surgical & Clinical Solutions
Bunions (Hallux Valgus)	Bony bump at the base of the big toe, redness, swelling, and pain when wearing shoes or walking.	Micro-incision bone realignment (MIS) using advanced internal fixation to restore natural joint alignment.
Hammertoes & Claw Toes	Abnormal bending at the toe joints, painful corns or calluses on top of toes, and severe forefoot shoe friction.	Minimally invasive tendon releases and joint realignment to flatten toes and restore comfortable shoe fit.
Bunionettes (Tailor’s Bunion)	Painful bony bump on the outside edge of the foot at the base of the pinky toe.	Targeted micro-incision correction to shave or realign the bone, narrowing the foot structure safely.
Bone Spurs & Stiffness	Deep joint pain and restricted motion at the big toe joint (Hallux Rigidus).	Micro-cheilectomy to remove motion-blocking spurs while preserving natural joint cartilage.

Same-day or next-day appointments. No waiting weeks for care.

Deeper 1-on-1 time with Dr. Lanier. You’re never a number on a quota.

Multi-layered care using orthotics, regenerative medicine, and modern MIS options.

Customized recovery strategies designed to keep you on your feet, not the couch.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 54 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Herman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been coming to see Dr. Lanier for a couple of years. He very nice and spends time with you. If you have any foot problems, he is the one to see!
  
 
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   Jimmy G 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had two separate foot surgeries and both went great
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   John Littlejohn 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been treated by Dr. Lanier for the past two years. He has performed surgery on my foot and has been an excellent. He is compassionate and also very funny. I would recommend him for any foot problems or if you need any surgery to your foot.
  
 
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   pOp B. 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service! Dr. Thurmond Lanier was knowledgeable, thorough, and took the time to ask the right questions. He helped get to the root of my foot issues instead of just treating the symptoms. I felt heard and well cared for throughout my visit. I highly recommend him!
  
 
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   Howard Price 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Lanier is a real miracle worker. He helped me walk again and is the best. If your feet hurt, please go see him!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ashley Degree 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Lanier and his team are great. I have been seeing him for my foot and ankle pain for the last year. Very professional amd friendly.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Cassandra Bellamy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They are an amazing staff!! Shirley and Dr Lanier are always quick to help and answer any questions!!
  
 
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   JAMES LOGAN 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They did great job on my daughter foot with the surgery, taking care of her foot throughout the process.
  
 
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   da ham 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Friendliest and Most Courteous Staff You'd Ever Want to Work With.  From Beginning to End, the Entire Team Deserves a Gold Medal