Flatfoot is often a complex disorder, with diverse symptoms and varying degrees of deformity and disability. There are several types of flatfoot, all of which have one characteristic in common: partial or total collapse loss of the arch. Other characteristics shared by most types of flatfoot include toe drift, in which the toes and front part of the foot point outward. The heel tilts toward the outside and the ankle appears to turn in. A tight Achilles tendon, which causes the heel to lift off the ground earlier when walking and may make the problem worse, bunions and hammertoes may develop as a result of a flatfoot.
Flexible flatfoot is one of the most common types of flatfoot. It typically begins in childhood or adolescence and continues into adulthood. It usually occurs in both feet and progresses in severity throughout the adult years. As the deformity worsens, the soft tissues tendons and ligaments of the arch may stretch or tear and can become inflamed. In diagnosing flatfoot, the foot and ankle surgeon examines the foot and observes how it looks when you stand and sit.
X-rays are usually taken to determine the disorder's severity. If you are diagnosed with flexible flatfoot, but you do not have any symptoms, your surgeon will explain what you might expect in the future.
If you experience symptoms with flexible flatfoot, the surgeon may recommend nonsurgical treatment options, including:. In some patients whose pain is not adequately relieved by other treatments, surgery may be considered. Many surgical techniques are available to correct flexible flatfoot, and one or a combination of procedures may be required to relieve the symptoms and improve foot function. In selecting the procedure or combination of procedures for your particular case, the foot and ankle surgeon will take into consideration the extent of your deformity based on the x-ray findings, your age, your activity level and other factors.
The length of the recovery period will vary depending on the procedure or procedures performed. A A A Print Share. What Is Flatfoot? Flexible Flatfoot Flexible flatfoot is one of the most common types of flatfoot.
