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What is a Flat Foot?

Flat foot is a common foot shape that occurs when the arch of a person’s foot collapses, which means that the entire underside of the foot is flat. The condition is predominantly genetic, however an injury or trauma can also cause the arch to collapse among older teenagers and adults. Most infants have flat feet at birth and develop arches throughout early childhood.

Husband And Wife Walking Together On The Sand After Surgical Flat Foot Correction In Newport Beach.
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What is Surgical Flat Foot Correction?

Feet come in many different shapes — the primary of which is a standard arch shape, which ensures that the rest of your leg receives the amount of support that it requires. While the arch is the most common foot shape, a couple of additional shapes include the high-arch and flat foot — both of which are considered to be deformities. However, the flat foot shape doesn’t usually cause any overt issues. It’s possible, however, for the lack of an arch to lead to the development of pain and swelling around the middle area of the foot, which may require surgery to correct. If you’re considering all of your treatment options, one that should be at the top of your list is a surgical flat foot correction in Newport Beach.

When a Surgical Flat Foot Correction is Necessary

When the pain that you’re experiencing leads to high amounts of discomfort whenever you exercise, walk, or stand, you should definitely schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to determine if surgery is right for you. It’s also important to understand that correcting these issues early on in your life can help with the prevention of hip, back, or knee pain later on in life.

Types of Surgeries that Can

be Used for Flat Foot Correction

There are three different types of surgeries that you can be provided with when it comes to flat foot correction in Newport Beach:

  • Bone fusions
  • Bone cuts
  • Soft tissue procedures

The goal of each of these surgical procedures is to correct the flat foot by introducing an arch shape to the foot. The exact procedure that’s right for you will depend on your age, the severity of your condition, and how stiff your foot is. If you have flexible feet, the surgery will focus on keeping your current motion while properly recreating the arch of your foot. This surgery can involve the repairing of tendons in order to strengthen the main tendon that provides the lift that creates the arch.

This procedure is regularly referred to as a “foot lift”. If the collapse of your bone is severe, a bone procedure will focus on realigning the heel and rebuilding the arch, which is more extensive than a standard foot lift procedure. 

If your flat feet are more rigid, the focus of the surgery will be on eliminating motion within the foot in order to restore the proper foot shape. 

While these are the primary surgeries that are used for the correction of the flat feet condition, it’s also possible to correct the issue by having a metal implant inserted into the foot, which will help to provide support for the arch.

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What to Expect in a Flat Foot Correction Consultation

During a consultation for flat foot correction surgery, the surgeon conducts a comprehensive assessment, starting with a review of the patient's medical history to identify any relevant conditions or previous surgeries. A thorough physical examination of the feet and ankles is performed, followed by diagnostic imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to assess the severity of the flat foot deformity. The patient's symptoms and treatment goals are discussed, and the surgeon explains the available treatment options, including surgical and non-surgical approaches, along with their respective risks and benefits. Based on this evaluation, the surgeon recommends a course of action, potentially including surgery, and provides pre-operative instructions if surgery is deemed appropriate. Throughout the consultation, the patient is encouraged to ask questions and express any concerns to ensure they feel informed and comfortable with the proposed treatment plan.

What to Expect When Recovering from Surgery

During the recovery, you’ll likely be required to wear a cam walker boot for a few weeks immediately following your surgical flat foot correction. You will also be expected to elevate and rest your foot as much as possible. With most of these surgical flat foot correction procedures, you will wear some form of offloading boot for up to six weeks before switching to a brace or insole for another six weeks. It’s only after 3-4 months that you will likely be able to wear your own pair of shoes. Your surgeon will provide you with comprehensive instructions on how to care for the surgical site following the procedure.

Surgical Flat Foot Correction at Dr. Salma Aziz, Foot and Ankle Speciality Group Inc.

If you’re seeking surgical flat foot correction to alleviate discomfort, we welcome you to contact our office to discover what we can do for you. Dr. Salma Aziz, Foot and Ankle Speciality Group Inc. is a podiatry office in Rancho Santa Margarita and Newport Beach that has been providing treatment for foot and ankle injuries and conditions since 2001. Dr. Salma Aziz has built her reputation on time-tested practices, and provides outstanding treatment and follow-up care. Also with Dr. Petrina Yokay and Dr. Jessica Arneson, we are a nurturing female doctor group with a focus on getting people back to their activities and life.

Flat Foot Correction FAQs:

What are the different types of flat foot correction surgeries?

Will I be able to return to normal activities after flat foot correction surgery?

Can flat foot correction surgery be performed on both feet at the same time?

Will I need orthotics or other supportive devices after flat foot correction surgery?

How long do the results of flat foot correction surgery last?

What are the different types of flat foot correction surgeries?

There are various surgical procedures for flat foot correction, including subtalar arthroereisis, tendon transfer, osteotomy, and fusion procedures. The specific type of surgery recommended depends on the severity of the flat foot deformity and the individual's unique circumstances.

Will I be able to return to normal activities after flat foot correction surgery?

Many patients can return to normal activities after recovering from flat foot correction surgery. However, activities that put excessive stress on the foot, such as high-impact sports, may need to be avoided or modified. It's essential to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions for the best outcome.

Can flat foot correction surgery be performed on both feet at the same time?

In some cases, flat foot correction surgery can be performed on both feet simultaneously, but this depends on the individual's health, the severity of the deformity, and the type of surgery planned. Your surgeon will discuss the best approach for your specific situation.

Will I need orthotics or other supportive devices after flat foot correction surgery?

Orthotics or supportive devices may still be necessary after flat foot correction surgery to provide additional support and stability to the foot. Your surgeon or physical therapist can recommend the appropriate orthotics or devices based on your individual needs.

How long do the results of flat foot correction surgery last?

The results of flat foot correction surgery can vary from person to person. In many cases, the surgery provides long-term relief from pain and improved foot function. However, maintaining a healthy weight, wearing supportive footwear, and following a recommended exercise program can help prolong the results of the surgery.

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