Flatfoot or collapsed foot is a common foot problem, and around 30% of the population is affected by this problem. Sometimes it is asymptomatic and seems to be painless, but progresses to complications and intense pain.  It can affect people of any age group and deteriorates foot health. Let’s discuss some things that you consider if you have flatfoot.

• You experience a change in your walking style.

Due to the loss of arch, the balance of the foot is affected, and you may experience that your feet are rolling inwards.  This movement is known as overpronation and can overstretch the muscles, tissues, and ligaments present in the foot which may lead to a partial or complete tear.

• Your footprints can help in predicting the occurrence of flatfoot

There is a relation between footprint and flatfoot. The impression of the footprint can help in finding if arches are able to touch the floor or not. Moreover, it can also be observed by looking at the soles of the shoes. As flatfoot tends to overpronate, the inner edges of the shoes will be heavily worn out.

• Shoes provide great support.

If you want to maintain sound foot health, it is important to choose footwear that can support the foot’s structure and restrict movements to avoid involuntary inward rolls. You can also customize the shoes with the help of orthotics.

Can flatfoot be treated permanently?

The treatment approach to cure flatfoot depends on the severity of the structural deformity. In some cases, non-surgical processes like physical therapy can be effective. But in other cases, you may be suggested to undergo a flatfoot reconstruction surgery. It includes a combination of surgical procedures to correct the misalignment & repair ligaments and tendons. It can help the patient to relive his active life.

Types of flatfoot reconstruction surgery

According to the condition of the foot, the surgical procedure can be broadly categorized into many categories to address a specific problem.

• Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

In this condition, the tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the inner part of the foot is inflamed and cannot support the arch, which gradually leads to flatfoot. The surgical procedures that may be suggested to treat this condition are:

• Gastrocnemius recession: Lengthening the calf muscles and posterior tibial tendon
• Tenosynovectomy: Removing the inflamed tissues surrounding the tendon
• Tendon transfer: Replacing damaged tendon with another one
• Osteotomy: Reconstructing bones for rebuilding the arch

• Rheumatoid arthritis

If this orthopedic problem affects the ligaments or cartilage of the foot or ankle, then it develops in flatfoot.  These may be the suggested approach to treat these problems:

• Fusion of joints: replacing cartilage from the joint & replacing it with bone graft for fusing the joints
• Triple arthrodesis: fusion of three joints in the hindfoot

• Injury

Sometimes an injury can lead to the misalignment of the foot structure, which leads to the occurrence of flatfoot as torn muscles and ligaments are not able to provide enough support to the arch.  Probable option to treat such condition are:

• Internal fixation: the realignment of the bones by temporarily using  metallic plates and screws
• Subtalar implant: placement of the subtalar implant in the hindfoot

• Diabetic collapse

Diabetic foot can sometimes lead to nerve damage which may progress to collapsing of the arches. Possible ways to treat this condition depend on the type of deformity caused due to this condition.

Flatfoot is curable, but the treatment approach depends on the severity.  For effective flatfoot treatment, you can book your appointment with Dr. AnujChawla, a trusted foot and ankle surgeon in Gurgaon with many years of experience.