surgery for arches/flat feet

cinderella777 · 09-18-2003, 12:17 AM

has anyone had this surgery? If so what was it like? Is your arches better? What was recovery like?

And has anyone done both at the same time - bunion and flat feet/arch correction?

Also those that have flat feet/bad arches and did not get any type of surgery - did your pain get worse with time?

Thanks!

[This message has been edited by cinderella777 (edited 09-17-2003).]

cjaffee · 09-18-2003, 01:31 PM

Hi there. I just had a complex flat foot reconstruction surgery that the Dr. said went real well. I'm only 3 weeks post op so I'm not sure of all the recovery steps but my Dr. says it's a very successful surgery. I went through over 3 years of continued pain and more conservative treatments before having the surgery but now wish I had done it a long time ago. It was a rough first 10 days but after that it's just the hassle of dealing with crutches. I can't imagine having both done at once and I'm not even sure it's an option. Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.

TPB · 09-19-2003, 12:12 PM

I had reconstructive surgery for flat feet back in April. Yes, this surgery did give me an arch (esp since my foot was very flat). I've only had one side done right now, and with the exception of some lingering soreness and swelling (which hides the arch somewhat) all is well. Since this surgery is so extensive, I can't even imagine that they would do this in conjunction with a bunionectomy, but it doesn't hurt to ask your doctor. One word of caution though.. Make absolute certain that your doctor has experience with flat foot surgery. It's not that terribly common, and not every podiatrist or orthopedist does them. Also, the recovery time is really long, upwards of six months. I am almost five months post-op, and even though I'm full weight bearing in regular shoes now, I am still not ready to start running again or anything like that. I was in a cast for 9 weeks, and walking boot for another 9, and on crutches for almost 12 weeks. You really have to think about all that before you have the surgery.
CJaffee.. glad to hear you're doing well. The first two weeks were rough for me too!! Keep your foot elevated, it seems to make all the difference in the world. Let me know I can answer any questions you may have. I'll be happy to share my experiences

TPB · 09-19-2003, 12:14 PM

Oh yeah, my surgeon said that under NO circumstances would he EVER consider doing both feet at the same time. Trust me, you don't want to do that anyway!!

cog · 09-20-2003, 07:42 PM

Hi Cinderella! I had the flat foot surgery, too, and I can't imagine doing two feet at once. There's a thread on this board - page 5 I think - called "Has anyone had a calcaneal osteotomy??????" and several people have responded on it, and you can get a lot of information on it. Be sure to get a good surgeon - keep us posted. Good luck!