Do I need surgery for flat feet? What an ankle & foot surgeon recommends?

Do I need surgery for flat feet? What an ankle & foot surgeon recommends?

Are you experiencing persistent foot pain, arch collapse, or discomfort that radiates up your legs?

This could be a sign of flat feet, a condition in which the inner arches of your feet are flattened, allowing your entire foot to make contact with the floor.

While many people live with flat feet without any issues, for others, it can lead to significant pain and limitations, impacting their daily lives and ability to participate in activities they love.

Dr KP Meda understands the complexities of foot conditions and their impact on your mobility and well-being. Dr KP Meda, a skilled ankle and foot surgeon, offers thorough assessments and tailored treatment plans to help you manage flat feet, including determining if surgery is the right choice.

 

Understanding flat feet: More than just an appearance

Flat feet, medically termed pes planus, involve the flattening or collapse of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. This can happen for various reasons, and it’s crucial to understand that not all flat feet are problematic.

Some individuals have flexible, flat feet, with an arch that appears when they stand on their toes but flattens when the foot bears weight.

Others have rigid, flat feet, with an arch that remains flattened even when not bearing weight, often indicating a more significant structural issue. Common causes of painful flat feet include:

  • Genetics: A tendency to have flat feet can run in families.
  • Aging: Tendons, particularly the posterior tibial tendon, which supports the arch, can weaken over time.
  • Injury: Injury to the foot or ankle may compromise the integrity of bones or tendons, potentially resulting in arch collapse.
  • Medical conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, obesity, or neurological disorders can contribute.
  • Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD): This is a prevalent cause of adult-acquired flatfoot, where the central tendon supporting the arch becomes inflamed, stretched, or torn.

Symptoms that might indicate problematic flat feet include:

  • Pain in the arch, heel, ankle, or outside of the foot.
  • Pain that worsens with activity.
  • Swelling along the inside of the ankle.
  • Difficulty standing on tiptoes.
  • Leg fatigue or aches.
  • Changes in gait or shoe wear patterns.

When is non-surgical treatment enough for flat feet?

Conservative treatment options are highly effective for many individuals with flat feet, particularly those with flexible flat feet and mild symptoms. 

As an ankle and foot surgeon, Dr KP Meda always explores non-surgical approaches first, aiming to alleviate pain and improve function without surgery. These may include:

  • Custom orthotics: Custom-designed shoe inserts provide arch support and help redistribute pressure across the foot.
  • Supportive footwear: Selecting shoes with adequate arch support and structural stability is essential for proper foot alignment.
  • Physical therapy: By strengthening the arch-supporting muscles with exercise, you can enhance flexibility and promote a healthier gait.
  • Anti-inflammatory medication: Over-the-counter or prescription medications to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Rest and activity modification: Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain.
  • Weight management: Reducing excess weight can significantly lessen the strain on the feet and ankles.

Many patients experience significant relief from these conservative treatments, allowing them to manage symptoms effectively and stay active.

When to consider flat feet surgery? The surgeon's recommendation

While non-surgical treatments are often successful, there are specific situations where flat feet surgery becomes the recommended course of action. Dr KP Meda typically considers surgery for patients who:

  • Have persistent, severe pain that significantly impacts their quality of life.
  • Have not found adequate relief from a comprehensive course of conservative treatments (usually 6-12 months).
  • Exhibit progressive deformity or worsening symptoms.
  • Have a rigid flatfoot or a severe adult-acquired flatfoot deformity, particularly due to significant tendon damage (like a ruptured posterior tibial tendon) or arthritic changes.

The decision for flat feet surgery is always made individually, following a thorough examination, advanced imaging (such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans), and a detailed discussion between Dr KP Meda and the patient about their specific condition, lifestyle, and goals.

Flat feet types of surgery, benefits and treatment: Tailoring the approach

Flat feet surgery aims to reconstruct the foot’s arch, correct the deformity, alleviate pain, and improve function.

Due to the complex nature of the foot and the varied causes of flat feet, there are several flat feet types of surgery. Dr KP Meda customises the surgical approach to each patient’s unique needs, which may involve:

Tendon transfers: A healthy tendon (often from the calf) can be transferred to support the arch if the posterior tibial tendon is damaged.

Osteotomies (Bone cuts): Reshaping bones in the heel, midfoot, or forefoot to realign the foot and create an arch. This may involve lengthening the outside of the heel bone (lateral column lengthening) or cutting and repositioning the calcaneus (heel bone).

Fusion (Arthrodesis): In cases of severe, rigid flatfoot or advanced arthritis, bones in the midfoot or hindfoot may be fused. This eliminates motion in the affected joint, providing stability and pain relief, though it may reduce some flexibility.

Implant placement: Sometimes, small implants may be used to support the arch structure. These procedures are frequently performed together to ensure the best possible correction and long-term stability.

Also Read: Plantar Fasciitis treatment in Dubai

Benefits and recovery after flat feet surgery

The primary benefit and treatment goal of flat feet surgery is significant pain relief, correction of deformities, and improved foot function. Patients often report:

  • Substantial reduction or elimination of chronic pain.
  • Improved ability to walk, stand, and participate in activities.
  • Correction of the foot’s alignment.
  • Enhanced quality of life.

Recovery from flat foot surgery requires time and commitment. Patients will typically need to be non-weight-bearing for several weeks (often 6-12 weeks) in a cast or boot, followed by a gradual return to weight-bearing and an extensive physical therapy programme. Full recovery can take several months to a year, but the long-term benefits can be life-changing.

If you are struggling with painful flat feet and conservative treatments haven’t provided the relief you need, it’s time to explore advanced options.

As an experienced ankle and foot surgeon, Dr KP Meda can diagnose accurately and discuss whether flat foot surgery is the right path for you. Contact Dr KP Meda today and take the first step towards a pain-free life.

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While non-surgical treatments are often successful, there are specific situations where flat feet surgery becomes the recommended course of action. Dr KP Meda typically considers surgery for patients who:

  • Have persistent, severe pain that significantly impacts their quality of life.
  • Have not found adequate relief from a comprehensive course of conservative treatments (usually 6-12 months).
  • Exhibit progressive deformity or worsening symptoms.
  • Have a rigid flatfoot or a severe adult-acquired flatfoot deformity, particularly due to significant tendon damage (like a ruptured posterior tibial tendon) or arthritic changes.

The decision for flat feet surgery is always made individually, following a thorough examination, advanced imaging (such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans), and a detailed discussion between Dr KP Meda and the patient about their specific condition, lifestyle, and goals.

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