Foot Surgery for Flatfeet: Recovery, Procedure, Cost

Flat feet or fallen arches can cause you pain, discomfort, and inability to walk. If non-surgical treatments don’t work, foot surgery for flatfeet becomes necessary to correct the condition and improve your life quality. Our article will cover everything you need to know about this foot surgery, including the procedure, recovery, and cost.

What Surgery Fixes Flatfeet?

Flatfoot surgery or flatfoot reconstruction involves reshaping or realigning the bones and tendons in your foot to restore the natural arch. In some cases, you may need additional procedures like tendon transfers, bone grafting, or fusions to achieve optimal results. This type of surgery aims to improve your foot function, get rid of pain, and provide long-term stability.

When is Flatfoot Surgery Necessary?

Foot surgery for flatfeet is typically necessary when non-surgical treatments, such as orthotics, physical therapy, and medication, have not worked. You are a suitable candidate for surgery if you:

• Experience chronic pain that limits your daily activities.
• Have severe deformity or stiffness in your foot
• Have difficulty walking due to your collapsed arch
• Are not responding to other treatments

What Happens During a Flatfoot Reconstruction Surgery?

At Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers, our skilled surgeons perform foot surgery for flatfeet with precision and care. Here’s how we do it:

1. We make a well-placed incision on the side or top of your foot. It gives us access to the affected area.
2. Our surgeon carefully examines the bones in your foot. If your arch has collapsed, we do osteotomies (bone cuts) or add bone grafts to restore the arch. Our surgeon also reshapes and repositions your bones to create a more stable structure. In cases you have severe deformity, we may use specialized implants to support the arch.
3. We assess your tendons, and if they are damaged or overstretched, we repair them to restore proper function. In some cases, we transfer healthy tendons from other areas of your foot to replace the damaged ones.
4. If your foot requires extra stability, we fuse certain bones together by removing damaged cartilage and joining the bones. This process allows them to heal as a single unit and is particularly effective in preventing further collapse of the foot’s structure.
5. We may also release or tighten your soft tissues, such as ligaments, to enhance the overall balance and alignment of the foot.
6. Once we make the necessary corrections, we close the incision with sutures. Then, we carefully bandage your foot and apply a protective cast or boot to support the healing process.

Our foot surgery to fix flatfeet is highly personalized, so if you’re struggling with flat feet and considering surgery, the expert team at Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers is here to help. Schedule a consultation with us today, and take the first step toward a pain-free, healthier life!

Flatfoot Surgical Correction Recovery

Here are essential aftercare tips for foot surgery for flatfeet:

• Rest and lift up your foot to reduce swelling
• Follow our surgeon’s restrictions about weight-bearing
• Wear a cast or boot as recommended
• Keep the incision site clean and dry
• Come to follow-up appointments for check-ups
• Start doing physical therapy when recommended to restore strength and mobility

How Long Does Flatfoot Surgery Take to Heal?

The healing process after foot surgery for flatfeet can differ based on the complexity of your procedure:

• For the first 6-8 weeks, you need a cast and avoid putting weight on your boot.
• In 2-3 months after the surgery, start bearing weight gradually. You might need a walking boot.
• In 3-6 months after the surgery, significant healing occurs, allowing you to increase your activities.
• By 6-12 months, you will probably recover fully with the ability to return to regular activities.

How Much is Surgery for Flatfeet?

The cost of foot surgery for flatfeet differs depending on factors such as the complexity of your procedure, the surgeon’s experience, and the location of the surgery. For an accurate estimate, contact us at Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers to discuss your specific situation.

Is Flatfoot Surgery Covered by Insurance?

If your flatfoot surgery is medically necessary, then yes, it is often covered by insurance. Typically, insurance plans cover about 70% to 90% of the procedure’s cost, depending on your specific policy. You need to contact your insurance company provider to understand the details of your coverage and any out-of-pocket costs you may need to pay.

What are the Risks of a Flatfoot Reconstruction?

While foot surgery for flatfeet is generally safe, there are potential risks, including:

• Infection at the surgical site
• Nerve damage causing numbness or tingling
• Blood clots due to immobilization
• Failure of bones to fuse properly
• Persistent pain or stiffness after recovery

Alternatives to Foot Fusion Surgery for Flatfeet

If you are not ready for the surgery, there are alternative treatments to consider. These alternatives may not correct the deformity, but they can provide relief from symptoms. You can:

• Use custom insoles to support the arch.
• Exercise and do physical therapy to strengthen your foot and improve its flexibility.
• Take anti-inflammatory medications and drugs to reduce your pain and swelling.
• Use ankle braces to stabilize your foot.

Frequently Asked Questions about Corrective Foot Surgery for Flatfeet

Here are answers to some common questions about flatfoot surgery:

How Soon Will I Go Home after Surgery?

Most patients can go home the same day as the surgery, but some may need to stay overnight, depending on the procedure’s complexity.

How Soon Can I Walk after Surgery?

You will need to avoid putting pressure weight on your foot for the first 6-8 weeks. Gradual weight-bearing begins after this period with your surgeon’s approval.

When Can I Go Back to Work?

For desk jobs, you may return in 4-6 weeks, but physically demanding jobs may require 3-6 months of recovery.

When Can I Start Driving?

You can usually start driving again 8-12 weeks after surgery once your surgeon confirms it’s safe.

How Quickly Can I Return to Activities?

Returning to regular activities, including sports, typically takes 6-12 months, depending on your healing progress.

How Soon Can I Fly after Surgery?

You can generally fly after 4-6 weeks but always consult with your surgeon, especially for long flights.

Foot Fusion Surgery for Flatfeet in Arizona

Painful flatfeet are no longer a problem. Our team at Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers in Arizona can take care of it. Our experienced team provides expert care and personalized foot surgery for flatfeet to get you back on your normal life. Contact us today at 480-900-1614 to schedule a consultation session and take a step toward relief.

Conclusion

Reconstructive foot surgery for flatfeet can offer significant relief for those suffering from chronic pain and mobility issues due to flat feet. While recovery requires time and patience, the results can dramatically improve your quality of life. If you’re considering surgery, Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers is ready to guide you through every step of your journey to better foot health.