Flat feet, also known as pes planus or flat feet, are a common foot condition that can affect as many as one in four people over their lifetime.
Flat feet means that the arch bones of your feet when standing straight up are lower than normal.
Flat feet can be a lifelong condition for some people. Flat feet can cause foot pain or difficulty walking for some people.
One treatment option for flat feet is surgery correction. If you are considering flat foot reconstruction, we will cover all the details.
Reconstruction of Flat Feet
Flat feet can be a common condition that develops in childhood. The tissues and ligaments of your feet tend to tighten during development and form an arch which supports your feet’s bones.
Flat feet may not feel this tightening due to genetics, poor footwear and other factors. These ligaments can become looser and lead to flat feet as you get older.
Flat feet can develop from the following conditions:
- rheumatoid arthritis
- injury
- diabetes
Flat foot reconstruction fixes the ligaments, tendon, and bone structure of your feet. This reconstructs your foot to support your arches better.
There are many variables that can affect the actual surgery procedure.
- Flat feet are the result of flat feet
- The anatomy of your feet and ankles
- The symptoms that you are trying to resolve
Flat feet surgery
Flat feet surgery has its pros
- Flat feet can be fixed permanently
- Considered to be low-risk
- After healing is complete, there’s no need for ongoing treatment or maintenance.
- Mobility is restored and you can do the things you love, which improves your mental and physical well-being.
Flat feet surgery: Cons
- Long, painful recovery period (6-8 weeks), followed by physical therapy
- A cast is required for several hours after surgery.
- There is a risk of nerve damage and blood clots.
- Possible that your symptoms are aggravated by the fact that your incisions and bones don’t heal properly.
Who is a good candidate to have this surgery?
Flat feet are not necessarily a sign that you require surgical reconstruction.
Flat feet are not a common condition.
Flat feet are a common condition that many people can live with without feeling any pain or discomfort.
Some people can avoid surgery by using nonsurgical treatments. Others with flat feet continue to live with it because they don’t feel the need to have it fixed.
There are no age restrictions on surgery
Flat foot surgery is not necessary for everyone.
In 2018, a study showed that older people had as good a chance of achieving this procedure as those who were younger.
These traits are common in candidates for surgery
If the following statements describe your situation, you may be a candidate for flat-foot surgery.
- Flat feet have been diagnosed with an X-ray.
- You are in good health and can tolerate general anesthesia.
- For a long time, you have tried nonsurgical methods to treat your flat feet.
- Consistent pain in the back is a common symptom.
- Flat feet can cause you to lose your ability and inability to do certain activities.
What is the procedure?
Flat feet can be corrected using different procedures depending on your bone structure, ligaments and body type. Flat feet may not be eligible for the same type or procedure.
Flat feet can be corrected with a variety of procedures.
- tendon transfer: a tendon moves from one bone to the next to correct deformity
- Osteotomies: Bones are cut and placed in different places
- Fusions: joints can be fused to remove pain and deformity.
You can correct both your feet at the same time, or one at a given moment.
The location where the procedure is performed
A Foot Podiatry surgery in Perth can perform flat foot surgery. You will likely need to stay at least one night while you recover.
During the procedure
The general rule is that the surgery will be done under anesthesia. You’ll be totally unconscious.
To begin surgery, your surgeon will make three incisions in the foot and ankle. The surgeon will then remove the tendon causing flat feet and replace it with a tendon from another area of your foot.
Your surgeon may also adjust the position of the bone in your heel. They may also insert a screw to do this. To increase your arch, they may insert additional hardware such as a plate or metal screw into your top foot.
Following the procedure
Your foot will be numbed using a topical anesthetic. Oral pain medication may also be administered after the procedure.
A cast will be placed on your foot from your toes until healing starts. During the first 6 weeks of your recovery, you will need to use a wheelchair. You’ll also be told not to place any weight on the foot.
Recovery
The initial phase of recovery can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months. You will have regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor your progress every few months.
After the cast has been removed, an orthotic boot will be fitted to your foot. It’s likely that this boot is less restrictive and still protects your foot as it heals.
After the initial healing process is complete, you might be given an ankle brace or physical therapy sessions to aid your foot in its recovery.
What Potential Side Effects and Risks are There?
Flat foot surgery is not known to cause major complications. There are always risks associated with major surgery.
There are potential complications following flat-foot reconstruction surgery:
- Nerve or blood vessel damage
- Failure of bone or incisions for complete healing
- Blood clots and bleeding
- Infection
This type of surgery can cause pain and limited mobility. These side effects should resolve within 6-8 weeks.
What does it cost?
Flat foot surgery will be covered by your insurance provider and plan. Medicare and any other health plans must cover all medically necessary surgeries.
Your Podiatrist in Perth and you may be able discuss whether flat feet are affecting your ability to live a normal life.
Your out-of-pocket expenses could range from $4,000 to $10,000 if you don’t have any insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover this procedure.
You should know that, even if your surgery was covered by insurance, you may still be responsible for hundreds in co-pays and deductibles as well as prescription pain medication after the procedure.
Alternatives to Reconstructive Surgery
If you have flat feet, there are many ways to relieve pain and restore function.
These treatments are not permanent and do not address the root cause of flat feet. These options include:
- prescription orthotics
- Wear a boot that is fitted to correct your arches
- Physical therapy
- steroid shots to manage pain
- Regular rest and immobilization
- Over-the-counter inserts for shoes or orthotic footwear
- Flat feet exercises to improve mobility
Key Takeaways
Reconstructive surgery for flat feet can improve mobility and function. These types of surgery are highly successful and low-risk, regardless of whether you have flat feet as a result of genetics or acquired it as an adult.
The surgery is not for everyone, and complications can occur. If your symptoms are affecting your daily life, talk to your doctor about the possibility of surgery or other options for treating flat feet.
