Flat Feet Surgery Miami​

There are several tests that your doctor may perform to determine the type of flat feet deformity. Thanks to these tests, the surgeon will have the necessary information to determine which type of flat feet surgery is the most appropriate for the patient.

• Observe the mechanics of the feet : During the diagnosis, the doctor must observe the feet in front and behind. He will ask the patient to stand on their toes, so he can assess the strength of the ankles. The main pain area will also be identified. The doctor will also look at the pattern of wear.
• rays : X-rays create an image of the bones and joints in the feet, using very little radiation. This method helps to assess alignment and detect arthritis.
• Tomography : It consists of taking X-rays of the feet from different angles, so it helps to provide much more data than a normal X-ray.
• Ultrasounds : Ultrasound is usually performed when there is a suspicion that there is a tendon injury. It is performed by means of sound waves that generate images of the soft tissues inside the feet.
• Magnetic resonance : These are a type of images that are made with radio waves and a powerful magnet. They provide detailed information on the bones and soft tissues at the same time.

Flat feet surgery can be performed with the use of local or general anesthesia. This decision will depend on the type of procedure that needs to be performed. In addition, after surgery, a local analgesic is provided to avoid the sensation of postoperative pain. Some patients will be able to go home the same day, but others must remain hospitalized the night of the operation so that the medical staff can observe their evolution.

There is a follow-up appointment schedule for patients who have had flat feet surgery. As each operation evolves differently, the appointment schedule may vary from case to case. But in general, patients will have to make several visits to the doctor. However, if you have any doubts or unusual situations, you should go to the clinic immediately.

• First appointment (after the first 2 weeks of recovery): The wound is checked, the plaster with which you left the operating room is removed, and x-rays are taken to see the conditions of the feet. A new boot or cast is put on.
• Second appointment (in the sixth week of recovery): The second cast or boot is removed. An x-ray is taken to see the evolution of the feet. An insole or orthotic is provided to function as support in wearing the shoe.
• Third appointment (at 3 months of recovery): It is a follow-up and review appointment to verify how it is progressing.
• Last appointment (at 6 months of recovery): It is the last appointment, in which the doctor discharges the patient if everything has gone correctly.

There are a good number of non-surgical or conservative treatments to treat flat feet deformity. These treatments are focused on improving the painful symptoms of the deformity, as well as restoring the body’s normal anatomy through orthopedic devices, whenever possible.

a) Insoles or arch supports

These are simple devices that come with a built-in arch. They are installed inside the shoes and their function is to keep the arch up. This greatly alleviates the pain caused by flat feet when walking.

b) Orthoses

Orthoses are devices made to measure for each patient by orthopedic laboratories. They can be made to order or semi-to order. To send them to be made, the chiropodist or podiatrist must take the measurements and angles of the feet, for which he will perform a scan. The digitized scan will be the basis for making the orthosis. The result is a very comfortable device that helps fit the feet into the shoe and maintain the arch.

c) Anklets

Ankle braces help keep the feet in a neutral position when walking. Although they do not cure non-alignment, they can be used to better support the feet. They are very useful to put in the training shoes with laces.

d) Wear quality shoes with a firm heel cup

These types of shoes help control excess movement, and are very comfortable to wear when wearing orthoses.

d) Lose weight

Obesity is a risk factor for those with flat feet. Even obesity can be the direct cause of flat feet. Therefore, losing weight will help loosen up the muscles and make flat feet less painful. The more weight the feet carry, the more pain the flat feet will have.

f) Physiotherapy to strengthen and coordinate muscles

The physiotherapist will study each case individually, to understand the characteristics of the type of flat feet. Then he will provide a special exercise plan, which will include work with the main muscles of the thighs and buttocks. Techniques and activities recommended by the physical therapist can reduce impact and damage to the feet and ankle.

g) Pain management

Many of those who suffer from flat feet deformity resort to anti-inflammatories and pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, to relieve the sensation of pain. Others also get local steroid or cortisone injections. These are placed directly into the arch tissue and reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. Although pain management helps you feel better, it is not the most appropriate long-term solution, since taking too much medication can lead to various types of secondary problems.

h) Perform exercises

Performing exercises specific to flat feet (including exercises with devices) helps strengthen the feet and the muscles, tendons, and ligaments involved. This will decrease pain and discomfort when walking or doing any activity. However, the exercises by themselves will not be able to support the arch, once it has collapsed.

There are a good number of non-surgical or conservative treatments to treat flat feet deformity. These treatments are focused on improving the painful symptoms of the deformity, as well as restoring the body’s normal anatomy through orthopedic devices, whenever possible.

a) Insoles or arch supports

These are simple devices that come with a built-in arch. They are installed inside the shoes and their function is to keep the arch up. This greatly alleviates the pain caused by flat feet when walking.

b) Orthoses

Orthoses are devices made to measure for each patient by orthopedic laboratories. They can be made to order or semi-to order. To send them to be made, the chiropodist or podiatrist must take the measurements and angles of the feet, for which he will perform a scan. The digitized scan will be the basis for making the orthosis. The result is a very comfortable device that helps fit the feet into the shoe and maintain the arch.

c) Anklets

Ankle braces help keep the feet in a neutral position when walking. Although they do not cure non-alignment, they can be used to better support the feet. They are very useful to put in the training shoes with laces.

d) Wear quality shoes with a firm heel cup

These types of shoes help control excess movement, and are very comfortable to wear when wearing orthoses.

d) Lose weight

Obesity is a risk factor for those with flat feet. Even obesity can be the direct cause of flat feet. Therefore, losing weight will help loosen up the muscles and make flat feet less painful. The more weight the feet carry, the more pain the flat feet will have.

f) Physiotherapy to strengthen and coordinate muscles

The physiotherapist will study each case individually, to understand the characteristics of the type of flat feet. Then he will provide a special exercise plan, which will include work with the main muscles of the thighs and buttocks. Techniques and activities recommended by the physical therapist can reduce impact and damage to the feet and ankle.

g) Pain management

Many of those who suffer from flat feet deformity resort to anti-inflammatories and pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, to relieve the sensation of pain. Others also get local steroid or cortisone injections. These are placed directly into the arch tissue and reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. Although pain management helps you feel better, it is not the most appropriate long-term solution, since taking too much medication can lead to various types of secondary problems.

h) Perform exercises

Performing exercises specific to flat feet (including exercises with devices) helps strengthen the feet and the muscles, tendons, and ligaments involved. This will decrease pain and discomfort when walking or doing any activity. However, the exercises by themselves will not be able to support the arch, once it has collapsed.

Flat feet and valgus feet are two different foot conditions.

Flat feet is a condition where the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole of the foot to come into contact with the ground. It can be caused by genetics, injury, or overuse and in most cases, it does not cause discomfort.

Valgus feet, on the other hand, is a condition where the foot turns outward at the ankle, causing the big toe to deviate towards the outside of the foot. It is also known as “duck feet” and it is considered a deformity. It can cause discomfort or pain, and it can require treatment or surgery. Valgus feet is also a risk factor for other problems.

Although after the first 2 weeks of recovery, patients can begin to support weight on their feet again, it is not yet the time to walk again. At this time, the use of crutches or walkers is recommended, so that the foot does not receive all the weight of the body. From weeks 6 to 12, patients will be able to start walking normally wearing shoes, but with insoles or some orthopedic device to help at this stage until the foot has strength again. After the first 12 weeks, the patient is expected to walk normally, although there may be some uncomfortable swelling. The latter can last up to 2 years.

After flat feet surgery, you cannot do any type of physical activity. You should rest, at least during the first 2 weeks, and keep your feet elevated. From week 6 you can start walking little by little. Until the 12th week of recovery, you cannot walk normally again or start doing all the normal activities with your feet.

A severe flatfeet valgus or acquired deformity is a source of problems for the rest of the body. This condition can cause the disruption of other body mechanisms, which in turn can lead to fasciitis, such as a bunion or knee arthritis. It also causes injuries and overloads in the muscles and tendons. This is why it is important to carry out a treatment to improve the conditions of the deformity. In most cases, conservative treatments such as the use of insoles and braces will work.

Yes, after flat feet surgery, the feet will once again have a normal and aligned appearance, without the deformity is evident. When standing, the weight of the body will be distributed evenly, and when walking, the foot will be aligned and balanced with respect to the body. They also improve flexibility and strength. All this helps the aesthetics of the feet and body posture.

It is important to disclose all medical history, so that the surgeon can assess whether the patient is suitable for flat feet surgery. It must be understood that the risk of a complication decreases when the patient and all the people involved in the operation and in the postoperative stage work together. That is why it is important to perform preoperative evaluation tests. Your doctor may recommend before the operation:

• Maintain a healthy diet to provide adequate nutrition during recovery.
• Quit smoking, as nicotine increases the risk of non-healing bones by 20%.
• Do not consume alcohol, because it can interact with the medications that are prescribed, in addition to the fact that it can impair the healing of wounds.
• Treatments for diseases, disorders or conditions affecting the feet and all associated structures.

In a first appointment with the flat feet specialist, a physical examination will be done that involves placing the feet in the positions that the doctor will indicate. In this way, the conditions of the deformity can be evaluated. Subsequently, imaging studies will be carried out that may involve: x-rays, ultrasound scans, tomographies, etc., with the aim of preparing a detailed description of the complexity of each case.

Another important step is for the doctor to know all the details of the patient’s health, to prevent possible postoperative risks and see if the patient is suitable for flat feet surgery. In case there are doubts about health, further investigations will be carried out with the participation of specialists in other medical areas. This allows the flat feet surgeon and healthcare team to perform the operation effectively and with as little risk as possible.

Not all people who suffer from it are candidates for flat feet surgery. In some cases, the balance leans more on the side of the complications than the benefits. In general, people who are not suitable for flat feet surgery are:

• Children who have not finished growing and have not yet fully developed their bones, muscles and joints.
• Adults with compromised health or who have a serious medical condition.
• Patients who have had unsuccessful foot surgeries on other occasions.
• People who do not tolerate anesthesia.

Not everyone with flat feet has discomfort or pain. The anatomy of these people has found a way to work well with deformity. However, a significant group of people with flat feet do feel pain. The pain is because when the joints collapse and exceed their normal range of motion, they begin to break down. The cause of this is that the ligaments are constantly being stretched, and the cartilage can end up wearing down. This causes the load to fall more on the muscles and also have to make a double effort to keep the joints together.

Likewise, all this affects the knee, which, being connected to the feet and depending on its position, tends to turn inward. Biomechanics is the science that studies how different forces work in the body. The inward-turned knee is overloaded, which can lead to further tissue and joint damage. Flat feet can also cause spinal misalignment, possibly leading to pain.