Flat feet and the plethora of symptoms associated must be one of the most commonly seen conditions in the office of a podiatrist. Typically with the help from orthoses, strengthening and stretching exercises, symptoms will resolve.
The case below presented in my rooms this week. He has had marked recalcitrant symptoms in his feet, knees and lower back for many years. The patient has consulted various podiatrists and physiotherapists, and another surgeon for the chronic knee issue. He has had multiple X-rays and MRIs and no pathology was observed; all agreed the symptoms were coming from his feet.
This completely flat foot known as pes planus was too severe for various orthoses to either control the foot, be comfortable or reduce any symptoms. The patient was very frustrated and concerned for the future.
The foot was reducible on non-weight-bearing, yet not on weight-bearing. As he has spent many years attempting to resolve the issue, he is very keen to move to a surgical solution. I will follow this patient’s surgical journey to enable you to see what can be achieved without fusions. I have sent him for weight-bearing X-rays, however, I do not think he has a coalition. His arch is too collapsed to solely rely on the Hyprocure, and hence will need adjunct procedures carried out at the same time to deal with the abduction, the loss of arch and his equinus.
If you have any specific questions or would like to discuss similar cases, feel free to contact me.
Also read:
Adult-acquired flat foot (PTTD)
Biomechanics of a pathology (bunions and pes planus)
Post-operative pes planus/flat feet/excess pronation
Accessory navicular with pes planus
Hyperpronation cure
(This content is intended for healthcare professionals only)