A Look at Flatfoot Reconstruction Surgery

Flat feet are feet with low arches, usually caused by a muscle imbalance. This hereditary condition can cause leg pain, foot and leg fatigue, bunions, hammertoes, and more. Although some cases of flat feet can be effectively treated with orthotics and non-invasive treatment options, severe cases usually require surgery. If you have flat feet in Houston , your foot doctor may recommend surgical correction to alleviate your symptoms and prevent future complications. Here is a look at what you can expect.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Surgery?

Your foot and ankle specialist may suggest surgery if the symptoms caused by your flat feet, such as ankle pain, are interfering with your daily life and non-invasive treatments have not helped. For flatfoot surgery to be effective, the arch of the foot must be flexible rather than stiff. Before surgery, your foot doctor will also consider your overall health to ensure that you don’t have any conditions that could make anesthesia unsafe or interfere with your recovery.

What Happens During Surgery?

Flatfoot surgery is performed under general anesthesia or using regional anesthesia, such as a spinal block. There are several different methods your surgeon can use, each of which allows your doctor to reconstruct your foot to increase the arch. During some procedures, bone deformities are corrected, while the ligaments and tendons are repaired in others. Your foot doctor will determine which approach is best for you based on your symptoms and the structure of your foot.

What Happens During the Recovery?

Most patients go home the same day of the procedure, though an overnight hospital stay may be necessary. For the first two weeks, the leg will be in a cast and must be kept elevated. After that time, the sutures are removed, and patients receive a removable boot. You cannot put any weight on the foot for six to eight weeks, or until cleared by your surgeon. Around 12 weeks after surgery, patients may be able to wear normal shoes using a foot or ankle brace. Complete recovery may take up to a year, and physical therapy may be necessary.

If you are in need of a foot doctor in Sugar Land, TX , visit Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists or call 281-242-3338.