Flat Feet: 5 Different Types of Surgery

Being limited by flat feet pain is no fun at all. If you have been experiencing this type of pain, then you can surely relate! If you have experienced discomfort or severe foot pain due to flat feet or low arches, then you are even more aware that getting treated is of utmost importance. Pain brought upon by flat feet tends to worsen over time and it will leave you missing out on fun activities, as well as feeling miserable when you try to do some of the activities you love. You do not have to worry, however, because there are available treatments for this foot condition.

In order to understand this better, you have to know that there are 5 different types of flat feet surgeries:

  Calcaneal Osteotomy

This procedure involves the heel bone (calcaneal) being cut and shifted inwards or outwards. This is performed when the heel bone has shifted out from underneath the leg and your hind foot alignment is offset. After the procedure, a metal plate or screws are used to hold your affected heel in place. Recovery time for this procedure usually takes at least 6 weeks of non-weight bearing. The patient can start wearing shoes by the 8^th to 12^th week. It usually takes up to a year or more for the foot to be fully recovered.

Lateral Column Lengthening

This procedure involves   lengthening   the lateral column by inserting a bone graft. The front of the heel bone is cut specifically, and a bone graft wedge is then placed in to lengthen it. The graft can come from the patient’s hip bone and this is often done alongside the calcaneal osteotomy. The recovery time for this procedure includes non-weight bearing or limited weight bearing in the heel. A patient can start wearing shoes after the 10^th to 16^th week, and it can take up to 18 months before full recovery.

Dorsal Opening Wedge Osteotomy

With this procedure, a bone wedge will be placed in the top portion of the medial cuneiform bone in order to push it downward. A similar procedure called the first tarsal metatarsal fusion involves the bone being pushed down and fused into that position.

Tendon and Ligament Procedures

These procedures often involve the posterior tibial tendon if it is thickened or torn. In the case of a flat foot, the ligaments that support the arch might have been torn. If there is significant damage, then the affected structures may need to be repaired.

Double or Triple  Arthodesis

In order to surgically correct inflexible and stiff flatfoot complications with arthritis, a double or triple arthrodesis is performed. This procedure is basically a fusion of one or more joints and they are generally avoided by surgeons, but in severe cases, are used as a last resort   These fusions can help improve stability in walking and they may also reduce pain. It generally takes 6 to 8 weeks of non-weight bearing to recover and full recovery might take up to 18 months.

For a more in-depth discussion on these flat feet pain setup an appointment with Sheldon H. Nadal, DPM today!Coming soon.