What to Expect from Flat Foot Surgery and Common Causes

The goal of flat foot surgery is to eliminate pain and realign the foot for optimal weight distribution when walking and standing, bringing ease back to your everyday activities.

About Flat foot

Over time it is possible for feet to become progressively flatter. If you have noticed that your natural arch has changed over time, and you are also experiencing pain in the heel or arch of your foot, or even swelling of your ankle, then it is possible you have developed adult flat feet. In some cases, this condition develops without causing any pain.

Fortunately, there are remedies to stop the progression of flat foot condition.

What Causes Flat foot?

In general, flat feet are a result of stress on the posterior tibial tendon and tightening of the Achilles tendon, which can weaken with age (especially over the age of 40) or can occur as a result of sedentary lifestyle or conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, previous ankle injury or surgery.

What To Expect With Flat foot Surgery

Flat foot surgery is performed under general anesthetic, with a local anesthetic during post-op to alleviate pain. Repairing flat feet typically requires multiple procedures to restructure the arch of the foot by repairing damaged tendons and ligaments and reshaping the bone.

Often, an additional procedure called a calcaneal osteotomy is required, which involves an incision into the heel bone, which the surgeon will reattach with a metal screw, and sometimes there is also a need for a metal plate to maintain the proper support of the foot arch.

Who Will Benefit From Flat Foot Surgery?

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may want to consult your physician if surgery is the best option for you:

• Pain when standing, running, walking, or during other daily activities
• Numbness or tingling in the foot and/or ankle, which may indicate nerve damage
• Ankle swelling
• Arch Pain

Preparing for Flat Foot Surgery

A great way to increase the benefits of your surgery is attending a pre-assessment screening with your doctor. At your screening, you will have your blood tested, your physician will check for any active infections, and get a comprehensive medical history background to determine if there may be any potential risk factors, or any sensitivity to anesthesia.

It is highly recommended to stop smoking eight weeks prior to your flatfoot surgery. Because

What To Do if You Suspect You Have Developed Flat Foot

There are conservative remedies that may be successful in correcting flat foot in its early stages. This condition is much easier to correct if caught early on. Certain devices such as shoe inserts, foot straps, specially designed boots can often help alleviate less severe cases of flat foot.

If you have already tried nonsurgical remedies and you are still experiencing pain that limits your daily activities, surgery to repair the tendon to restore arch alignment may be recommended by your physician.

Are you ready to put the spring back in your step?

The good news is that whether through natural remedies, or surgery, pain relief is possible. If you are ready to get back to your active lifestyle and resume regular activities without pain, it’s time to take action.

If you believe you are suffering from flat foot and want to be evaluated by one of our physicians at Triad Foot & Ankle Center, please call 336-375-6990, or visit our website at triadfoot.com to request an appointment.

 

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