Flatfeet
Most people have a natural arch in their foot, formed by bones, muscles and connective tissues. These arches help distribute the body's weight across the entire foot and throughout the leg, according to the Mayo Clinic. They also give the feet some of the support they need for pushing off, which is part of walking, and give the foot flexibility. Some people are born with naturally flat arches, causing them to have flatfeet. If these patients still have flexibility in their feet, they may not need surgery and can instead wear corrective shoes or braces. However, if the feet are rigid and are causing gait abnormalities leading to ankle or foot pain, surgery may be required.
Surgical Procedure
Flatfeet are caused either by abnormally aligned bones or damaged tendons. The Cleveland Clinic notes that depending on the type of anatomical problem that is causing the lack of arches, the surgeon may focus on the bones or the tendons. Sometimes the bones will need to be fused together to create an arch or be cut and reshaped. If the problem is a damaged tendon, the surgeon may try to remove scar tissue from the damaged tendon or surgically repair the torn tendon. In extreme cases, part of a tendon may be taken from another part of the body and grafted onto a damaged tendon, thus allowing it to have its normal length.
Post-Operation
Regardless of the type of surgery that is done on the foot, the success of the operation depends in large part of the work done after the operation. Typically, the patient will have to stay in bed for the first 48 hours after the operation. After this time, the patient can begin to return to normal activities, first using crutches and a walker along with a cast. Later the patient will be given a removable cast-boot. During this time, the patient will need to undergo physical rehabilitation to strengthen the foot and help support the newly formed arch. Depending on the type of surgery and the rehabilitation needed, this may be done at home or at a physical therapist's office.
