Flat feet impact one in four people during their lifetime. This condition occurs when a person’s arch bones in the feet are low to the ground instead of curved. While it can be treated with non-surgical methods, surgery may be necessary in some cases. With that in mind, let’s go over all the flat feet surgery pros and cons.
| Pros of Flat Feet Surgery | Cons of Flat Feet Surgery |
|---|---|
| Permanent solution | Long and painful recovery (6 to 8 weeks paired with physical therapy) |
| Minimally invasive and low-risk | Prolonged cast-wearing |
| Patients don’t need special treatments or maintenance after healing | Incisions and bones may not heal correctly |
| It removes pain and enables patients to walk without problems, resulting in physical and mental health improvement | Risk of blood clots and nerve damage |
How to Know if You Need Flat Foot Surgery
Many people develop flat feet in childhood, but around 20% of them don’t get this issue corrected over time. Children outgrow it by learning how to move and engage in physical activities, while adults can revert to it or have it due to a lack of or even excess activities.
The ligaments loosen in the Achilles tendon and ankles, making flat feet an issue. Most people need surgery if the issue causes pain and problems with walking. Things like injury, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis can also be underlying causes of flat feet.
The best way to know if you need flat foot surgery is by consulting a professional. A doctor will tell if it’s escalated enough to warrant a surgical procedure. But most of the time, it can be resolved with non-surgical options.
What Are the Pros of Flat Feet Surgery?
As with any operation, whether corn removal or extensive bunion surgery, the correction procedure for flat feet also has some benefits and drawbacks.
Benefits of this surgery include:
- It’s a permanent solution,
- It’s minimally invasive and low-risk,
- Patients don’t need special treatments or maintenance after healing,
- It removes pain and enables patients to walk without problems, resulting in physical and mental health improvement.
What Are the Cons of Flat Feet Surgery?
The cons of flat feet surgery aren’t permanent, although complications may arise over time. They include:
- Long and painful recovery (6 to 8 weeks paired with physical therapy),
- Prolonged cast-wearing,
- Incisions and bones may not heal correctly,
- Risk of blood clots and nerve damage.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
The surgery varies depending on the severity of the issue, bone and ligament structures, and body type. The pain levels of flat foot surgery are minimal since the operation is done under anesthesia.
Additionally, the procedure is done in a hospital where patients stay for at least one night. After release, patients must follow post-op instructions and take time to recover.
There are three types of surgery:
- Tendon transfer – moving a crucial tendon from one bone to another,
- Fusion – fusing joints to reduce discomfort and pain,
- Osteotomy – cutting and sliding bones into different positions.
What Are the Potential Risks and Side Effects?
Potential risks and side effects include nerve or blood vessel damage, blood clots, infection, and bones and incisions failing to heal completely.
Are There Some Alternatives to Surgery?
Since flat feet are usually resolved non-surgically, patients can try these methods first. Alternatives include:
- Orthopedic shoe inserts (custom or OTC),
- Fitted shoes,
- Physical therapy,
- Resting,
- Replacing high with low-intensity exercise,
- Stretching and strengthening the Achilles tendon.
Go Over Flat Feet Surgery Pros and Cons With Your Surgeon
Your surgeon will explain why flat feet are bad. If you don’t already have a doctor, check out Luxe Foot Surgery in Miami and consult with our specialists. All you need to do is contact us – via email, a free consultation form on our website, or phone – and we’ll tell you the rest. Our lines are open on weekdays from 9 AM to 6 PM.
FAQ
Is Flat Feet Surgery Worth It?
Most adults notice a significant physical and mental health improvement after flat feet surgery. Since it is permanent and highly successful, the consensus is that it’s definitely worth it.
Can Flat Foot Surgery Fail?
This type of surgery can fail, but a lot depends on the surgeon. For best results, research board-certified doctors with a proven track record of successful flat foot operations. Additionally, consult multiple doctors for alternative or additional opinions before fully committing.
