When Flat Feet Become More Than a Foot Problem
Flat foot is more than a cosmetic concern. When the arch collapses significantly, it alters the mechanics of the entire lower limb, leading to chronic pain in the foot, ankle, knee, and even the lower back. For many patients throughout the Mission, conservative treatments like orthotics and bracing eventually reach their limits, and reconstruction becomes the most effective path to lasting relief.
Dr. Samuel Enyew evaluates each patient's foot structure, degree of deformity, and functional limitations to determine the most appropriate surgical approach to restore alignment, relieve pain, and improve long-term mobility.
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Types of Flat Foot We Treat
Flat foot occurs when the arch of the foot partially or fully collapses, often due to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, joint instability, or progressive arthritis. Over time, surrounding tendons, ligaments, and joints compensate for the altered mechanics, accelerating wear and leading to further deformity if left untreated.
- Flexible flat foot, where the arch is present at rest but collapses under weight
- Rigid flat foot, where the arch remains collapsed regardless of weight-bearing
- Adult-acquired flatfoot deformity caused by posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
- Flat foot associated with arthritis or advanced joint degeneration
Surgical Procedures We Perform
Flat foot reconstruction is rarely a single procedure. Most cases require a combination of techniques to realign the foot, repair or reinforce damaged tendons, and stabilize the joints involved.
Tendon Repair and Reconstruction
The posterior tibial tendon is the primary structure supporting the arch, and its dysfunction is one of the most common causes of adult flat foot. Surgical treatment may involve repairing, reinforcing, or transferring tendon tissue to restore arch support.
- Repair or debridement of the posterior tibial tendon
- Tendon transfer using adjacent tendon tissue to supplement support
- Lengthening of the Achilles tendon or calf muscles when tightness contributes to the deformity
Bone Realignment Procedures
When tendon repair alone isn't sufficient to correct the deformity, bone realignment procedures reposition the heel, midfoot, or forefoot to restore proper arch mechanics.
- Calcaneal osteotomy to shift the heel bone into proper alignment
- Medializing calcaneal osteotomy for significant hindfoot valgus
- Lateral column lengthening to restore forefoot alignment
- Arthroereisis (implant-based arch support) in select flexible cases
Joint Fusion
In cases where significant arthritis or rigid deformity is present, fusion of one or more joints provides lasting stability and pain relief.
- Subtalar fusion for hindfoot arthritis or rigidity
- Triple arthrodesis for severe, multi-joint deformity
- Midfoot fusion when arch collapse extends into the midfoot joints
Before Your Procedure
Flat foot reconstruction is typically considered when conservative management has been thorough and consistent but is no longer providing meaningful relief. Dr. Samuel Enyew takes time with every patient to ensure they understand exactly what their reconstruction involves and what recovery will look like. Whether you're being seen at our Mission, Rio Grande City, or Weslaco office, your pre-surgical evaluation includes a detailed review of your symptoms and history, a physical assessment of foot alignment, flexibility, and gait, and imaging to evaluate the bones, joints, and tendons involved.
This thorough evaluation determines the type and extent of reconstruction needed, since flexible and rigid flat foot deformities each require a different surgical strategy.
Get Back to Moving Freely
If you've been managing a bunion, hammertoe, or neuroma for a while and conservative care isn't cutting it anymore, it may be time to explore your surgical options. You don't have to keep adjusting your life around foot pain when a lasting solution may be within reach. Schedule a consultation at our Mission, Rio Grande City, or Weslaco office today.
Flat foot deformity rarely improves on its own once it has progressed to chronic pain or functional limitation. The right surgical plan can make a significant difference in your quality of life and long-term mobility. Don't let foot pain keep redefining what you can and can't do. Schedule a consultation at our Mission, Rio Grande City & Weslaco office today.
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