Flexible flatfoot is a very common condition in which a child has a very low arch, or no arch at all in their foot. Usually this is painless and requires no treatment at all. If painful, orthotic arch supports and Achilles tendon stretching may help. Some children and adolescents with flexible flatfeet develop pain and calluses that do not get better with the use of arch supports. In these cases, surgery may be recommended once the child’s feet are fully developed (typically around age 12).
Surgery involves correction of multiple areas of deformity. This means that one or more of the surgical procedures described below are performed during the surgery to improve the arch and realign the foot.
- tendon lengthening (Tendo Achilles lengthening [TAL] or gastrocnemius recession)
- tendon and joint capsule tightening (medial plication)
- cutting one or more bones to change its
- Calcaneal lengthening osteotomy
- Calcaneal slide osteotomy
- Medial cuneiform osteotomy
- Hardware (pins, screws, or plates) may be used as well as bone graft.
About The Recovery:
- Bracing/casting: short leg cast for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, a removable boot may be provided for 1-2 months.
- Weight bearing: Your child will not be able to bear weight on the operative leg for 6 weeks.
- Back to school: 2 weeks (with walker or crutches)
- Total Recovery time: 4 months
- More Surgery in future? There is typically no additional surgery needed.
