Adult-acquired flatfoot, also known as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, is a progressive condition where the arch of the foot gradually collapses.

The posterior tibial tendon plays a crucial role in stabilizing the foot’s arch. If this tendon becomes damaged due to injury or illness, the arch can begin to fall, leading to flatfoot. Surgery can help repair the tendon, restore proper bone alignment, and provide greater stability, making activities like walking and running easier.

Request an Appointment

Why Treatment Is Necessary

While flatfoot itself may not always cause major issues, it can lead to more serious complications in the legs, hips, ankles, and lower back. Painful flatfoot typically indicates tendon or muscle damage in the foot, and if left untreated, it can cause:

  • Arthritis in the foot and ankle
  • Bunions and hammertoes
  • Corns and calluses
  • Difficulty walking or running
  • Knee pain
  • Lower back pain
  • Pain and swelling in the heel and arch
  • Stiffness and reduced mobility

Although anti-inflammatory medications can help manage symptoms, they don’t address the root cause of flatfoot. Surgery to repair the tendon offers the best long-term solution.

How Flatfoot Surgery Is Performed

Initially, flatfoot can be managed with shoe modifications, custom orthotics, physical therapy, and steroid injections. However, when pain becomes severe and other treatments aren’t effective, surgery may be necessary.

Surgical correction for flatfoot can involve:

  • Fusion of the bones in the foot and ankle
  • Osteotomy (cutting and realigning bone to improve position)
  • Removal of bone spurs
  • Repair of the tibial tendon
  • Synovectomy (cleaning out the tendon sheath)
  • Tendon transfer

Most surgeries focus on cleaning and repairing the damaged tendons. In rare cases, joint fusion is necessary to improve foot alignment and stability.

While surgery can significantly reduce pain associated with flatfoot, it may not be effective for everyone, and there is a risk of infection. However, early intervention increases the chances of successfully repairing tendon damage and alleviating symptoms.