About flat foot disorder
- Flat foot disorder, also known as acquired flat foot disorder, is commonly caused by the weakening, inflammation or rupture of the posterior tibial tendon
- This tendon starts in the calf, stretches down behind the inside of the ankle and attaches to bones in the middle of the foot
- When the tendon is weakened or ruptured, it loses its supportive function and the foot flattens out as the arch collapses
In many cases, having flat feet causes no complications. Many adults have relatively flat feet from birth, or develop flat feet over time.
However, acquired flat foot disorder can lead to a number of complications, including pain in the foot and/or ankle, changes in the shape of the foot, lack of mobility, and arthritis.
At UCSD Medical Center, our orthopedic surgeons have extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of adult acquired flat foot disorder.
Causes
Flat foot disorder can be caused by:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Congenital conditions
- Obesity
- Injury
Symptoms
- Pain and swelling on the inside of the ankle
- Loss of the arch and flattening of the foot
- Gradually developing pain on the outer side of the ankle or foot
- Weakness and an inability to stand on the toes
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the severity of the disorder. In early stages, symptoms may be relieved with:
In more advanced cases -- for example, when the foot becomes deformed or restricts your mobility -- surgery may be necessary. Depending on the type and extent of your acquired flat foot, your orthopedic surgeon may perform one or more of the following procedures.
Surgical options
If the posterior tibial tendon isn't damaged and the arch has not collapsed:
- Simple tendon debridement or tenosynovectomy (surgery to clean the tendon and remove any inflamed tissue) can be performed
If the tendon is damaged or ruptured and the arch is collapsed, surgical options include:
- Osteotomy (cutting the bone to realign the arch)
- Tendon transfers (surgery to replace or lengthen the injured tendon), which is often performed in combination with an osteotomy
- Fusion (arthrodesis) of the affected joints to stabilize and realign the foot
After surgery, you'll be wearing a cast for a few months to allow healing (the exact length of time depends on the type and extent of your surgery). In addition, you'll be undergoing rehabilitation such as physical therapy to restore function and strengthen the foot.
Schedule an appointment
Please contact us for more information, to make an appointment or to refer a patient: