Here are five things to know:
1. The goal of surgical correction is to improve the alignment of the foot, which will allow for more normal pressures during standing and walking.
2. Signs that someone should consider flatfoot surgery are ankle pain and difficulty with daily activities.
3. An orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon should do a complete evaluation of the foot, including medical history, physical exams and X-rays. A trial of nonoperative treatment should be completed prior to any decision to have surgery. These treatments can include rest, immobilization, shoe inserts, braces and physical therapy.
4. Patients who have diabetes or take oral steroids should be evaluated by their primary care physician before making a decision on flatfoot surgery.
5. There are several technique options for flatfoot surgery. They include:
- Medializing calcaneal osteotomy
- Lateral column lengthening
- Medial cuneiform dorsal opening wedge osteotomy or first tarsal-metatarsal fusion
- Tendon and ligament procedures
- Double or triple arthrodesis
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