Is your quality of life being affected by the pain and discomfort caused by flat feet? Perhaps you have tried many orthopaedic devices but have not gained significant relief. Fortunately, there is now a simple surgical option. It involves the insertion of a small titanium implant in a procedure which takes only around fifteen minutes. Here's what you need to know about this unique foot surgery and how it helps remove the misery caused by flat feet.

Understand Why Flat Feet Cause Discomfort

A person with flat feet usually has too much movement in the ankles.

  • The ankle bends inward, or pronates, and allows the arch of the foot to fall.

  • The muscles and ligaments in the rest of the feet and in the knees and hips try to compensate for the irregularity

  • The resulting extra pressure on the soft tissues causes additional stress

These stresses and abnormal motion lead to persistent pain and discomfort. Flat feet are the major source of joint pain and foot and ankle conditions including tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and achilles tendonitis.

The Surgical Solution

A technique developed recently makes use of a titanium implant, which is inserted into the heel. The procedure is minimally invasive and the recovery time is short.

A small titanium alloy screw-like device is inserted just above the heel bone or calcaneus while the patient is under local or general anaesthetic. This insert positions the foot correctly and prevents the abnormal motion and unnatural stresses on the ligaments. In fact, the implant behaves like an internal orthotic which re-establishes the correct arch of the foot.

The Recovery Phase

In most cases it is usually necessary to keep the foot elevated for a couple of days. For the next week or so, a protective cast or boot is worn. A full return to normal activity can be expected within a month.

When flat feet are interfering with your quality of life, ask your podiatrist about this procedure. The surgery could well be your solution. Imagine no longer having to sustain the misery of tired legs, arch pain and muscle fatigue. Additionally, you will not need to miss those valuable working hours or cancel enjoyable sporting activities.

Flat feet conditions are often hereditary. If your child is suffering with foot problems, it is important to seek professional advice without delay.

If orthotic devices and shoe inserts are not solving the problem or providing any benefit for the child, the titanium implant procedure is also very successful with children and is a viable option.

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