25% of the population has flat feet. The prevalence declines with age. It goes from 54% at three years old to 11.25% at 18 years old.

The condition affects mobility and quality of life. Non-invasive methods are recommended first, but there is another way.

Is flat foot surgery worth it? Read on to learn the answer to that question and more.

When Is Flat Foot Surgery Worth It?

Surgery is typically recommended when non-surgical methods fail to relieve the symptoms the condition causes. They include:

• Pain
• Inflammation
• Fatigue
• Increased risk of falls

Are these symptoms affecting your ability to live your daily life? That’s when surgery is worth it.

Certain flatfoot deformities and complications may also require surgery. These include:

• PTTD or posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
• AAF or adult-acquired flatfoot
• Plantar fasciitis
• Shin splints
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Flatfoot Surgery Options

There are many different types of flat foot surgery. The best one for you depends on your symptoms, what’s causing them, and the shape of your ankles and feet.

A few flat foot surgery options include:

• Bunionectomies for painful bunions
• Surgical fusions to realign bones
• Neuropathy decompression to treat nerve damage
• Tendon transfers
• Osteotomies to realign bones

The goal is always to increase the fallen arch of your foot.

Pros and Cons of Flat Foot Surgery

What’s the best way to answer the question, “Is flat foot surgery worth it?” Weigh the pros and cons that all methods share.

Pros

Surgery can provide significant, permanent flat foot pain relief. There’s no need for continual treatment after you’ve completed your recovery. You can return to your normal physical activities.

There are risks to keep in mind, including:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Nerve or blood vessel damage
• Incorrect healing
• Adjacent joint arthritis

New technology minimizes these risks. Minimally invasive techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery.

Cons

Flat foot surgery is relatively quick. Flat foot surgery recovery is a lengthy and occasionally painful process. You’ll have to be off your feet for at least 6-8 weeks. After that, you need to go to regular physical therapy appointments.

The flat foot surgery success rate is relatively high, but there’s no guarantee. You may have no pain reduction, and your bones could heal incorrectly.

The total flat foot surgery cost can also be high. Check with your provider before you say yes.

Surgery Alternatives

There are several non-surgical flat foot treatment options to consider. The easiest and simplest is rest.

Try a few foot exercises at home. You can also enlist the help of a physical therapist.

Look for comfortable shoes with built-in arch support and padding. You can also try a foot or ankle brace to hold your foot in the right position.

Medications may also help. Try anti-inflammatory meds or steroids.

Where Should I Get Flat Foot Surgery?

Is flat foot surgery worth it? It can be a lifesaver when more conservative methods such as exercises or medications aren’t providing relief.

Flint Foot & Ankle Institute is here to help with any foot and ankle problems. We realize that many don’t require surgery. We guide patients to the most effective, least-invasive options.

We’ll be there as you choose a treatment and support you as you heal. Contact us for an appointment today.