What is a flat foot repair?

Flat foot repair is a surgical procedure that is performed to relieve pain and restore function for people whose foot arches are very low. This procedure ensures that weight is distributed evenly when walking or standing.

Flat foot is a medical condition that normally occurs during childhood. This occurs when the ligaments and tissues in your foot tighten together and form an arch which supports the bones in your foot. In some cases, some people may live with flat foot without it causing any discomfort, but for other people, it may lead to painful foot and difficulty walking. Flat foot may cause symptoms such as:

• Pain on your foot especially on inner ankle and foot, when walking or running
• Ankle swelling
• Tingling sensation or numbness of the foot which may be caused by the presence of damaged nerves inside the ankle

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When is a flat foot repair recommended?

In some cases, flat foot may not require a flat foot repair because most patients live with this condition without experiencing pain or discomfort. In some people, conservative treatment such as orthotic devices, physical therapy and supportive shoes may help treat this condition.

Flat foot repair may be recommended if conservative treatment has failed, and you are experiencing consistent orthopaedic pain. Without treatment, your foot may lose its flexibility leading to the condition being hard to treat and cause arthritis. Therefore, early diagnosis is essential to ensure effective treatment.

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What does flat foot repair entail?

This procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. During the procedure, Dr Gräbe will make small incisions in the foot to expose the damaged tendon. He will then remove and replace the tendon with another tendon. The orthopaedic surgeon may also make an incision on the heel bone and repair it with the use of a small metal screw or metal plate to ensure the arch of the foot is supported properly. After the procedure, the wound will be stitched closed, and your foot will be covered with a plaster cast.

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