If you have flat feet and non-surgical methods have not corrected the problem, then you may be a candidate for a surgical procedure. The type of procedure will be determined by the severity of your condition, your age, and whether or not your feet are stiff.
Flexible or Rigid?
If you have flexible flat feet, for example, then your foot doctor will likely recommend a procedure designed to maintain that flexibility while building an arch. This could involve repairing a tendon in a way that it helps lift the arch.
However, if there is a substantial amount of bone collapse, you may need a bone procedure to rebuild the arch and also realign your heel. You may have bunions as well that are contributing to the problem and will need to be removed.
On the other hand, people with rigid flat feet typically have surgery designed to realign the foot. There is an exception, however. If you have rigid flat feet due to a portion of bone that is fused in the back of the foot, then removing that blockage can help restore functionality.
Types of Surgeries
Two common surgical procedures involve working with tendons and bones. For example, many people with flat feet have a tendon (the posterior tibial tendon) that has either split, become weakened or become injured in some other fashion. When the tendon fails, the arch can collapse.
The posterior tibial tendon can be strengthened through a procedure known as a “tendon transfer.” It is designed to help augment the posterior tibial by transferring an adjacent tendon to restore strength. Another procedure is known as an “arch fusion.” This entails fusing non-functioning (and non-essential) joints with plates and/or screws in order to help increase stability.
Contact Casteel Foot & Ankle
At Casteel Foot & Ankle Center, our Rowlett area experts will always pursue non-surgical alternatives first. However, if they prove ineffective, we will thoroughly inform you of the procedure we feel will best address your condition. Contact us online or call us at 972-468-0966 to learn more or schedule a consultation.