When to Consider a Flatfoot Reconstruction Surgery
Welcome to Red Cross Month, also known as March. This is a month to think about your health and the ways you can improve it both in yourself and in others. One way to do this is to think about your foot pain. Have you been ignoring it? That’s a great way to end up needing surgery—though in the case of flat feet that aren’t getting better with conservative treatment, surgery can actually be a relief. A flatfoot reconstruction surgery is a way to rebuild your arch and reduce the pressure on your midfoot so you can go back to walking without pain.
In most cases, flat feet can be treated conservatively. Shoe changes, orthotics, and exercises can alleviate pain and reduce pressure on the arch. Sometimes, however, a flattened arch doesn’t respond to conservative care. This is especially a concern with arches that fall as you get older. Adult acquired flatfoot can develop for many reasons, including an injury, arthritis, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, and diabetic foot collapse.
Whatever the cause, arches that don’t respond to noninvasive remedies continue to create pain. Eventually they can keep you from enjoying your activities and make normal, daily tasks difficult. This is when flatfoot reconstructive surgery becomes an option for you.
Deciding to take this next step can be a challenging decision. Our Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic team will need to evaluate your feet. Usually we need diagnostic images to help determine the severity of the problem. These images will also help us plan out the procedure and what you will need to restore your arch so you can return to your activities.
The procedure itself can be done many different ways. Bones can be cut and realigned; tendons can be moved; and hardware to hold everything in place can be inserted. Exactly what will work best for you will depend on your individual needs and the lifestyle you live. Dr. Darren Silvester and our team of specialists at Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic in Pleasanton, TX, will help you every step of the way. If you think flatfoot reconstruction surgery may be the answer to your persistent pain, contact us through our online request form. You can also call (830) 569-3338.
