The diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal problems in children is the main emphasis of the speciality field of paediatric orthopaedics. Many children have pes planus, also known as flat feet, and paediatric orthopaedic specialists are qualified to provide effective flat feet treatment options. In this blog, we will discuss how paediatric orthopaedics can help children with flat feet surgery.
When does conservative treatment of flat feet fail?
Most flat feet do not need surgery. They can be treated with exercises, braces, and good shoes.
Around 70% of babies are born with flat feet. By the time they reach their teenage years, 90% of them develop a normal arch. Not everyone with flat feet will have pain. Problems usually occur only if the feet are very flat, stiff, or if the calf muscles are tight. When flat feet are painful, symptomatic, interfering in daily routine, not relieved by shoe modification and exercise, then they might need surgery.
Why is Flat Foot Surgery Performed?
Your child might need flat feet surgery if he has symptomatic flat feet, a condition in which there is little to no space beneath the arch of the foot when he is standing. Among the symptoms are:
- Having pain when walking or jogging, especially in the inner foot and ankle
- Swelling in the ankles
- Numbness or tingling due to damage to the nerves in the foot on the inside of the ankle
Early identification is crucial because without therapy, the foot may become less flexible, the issue may become more difficult to treat, and arthritis may develop.
How Successful is Flat Foot Surgery?
When indicated for the appropriate patient and performed by a qualified orthopaedic physician, flat feet surgery is typically considered quite successful. Pain relief, correct foot alignment, stability, and increased mobility are the goals of the surgery. Following therapy, the majority of cases report notable increases in their ability to walk, stand, and engage in daily activities.
The severity of the condition, the type of flat feet surgery, the child’s general health, and adherence to postoperative treatment are among the factors that affect success rates. Flat foot surgery can help patients resume an active, pain-free lifestyle and provide long-lasting relief with proper recovery and physical therapy.
Who is a Good Candidate for Flat Foot Surgery?
When indicated for the appropriate child and performed by a qualified orthopaedic physician, flat feet surgery is typically considered quite successful. Pain relief, correct foot alignment, stability, and increased mobility are the goals of the surgery. Following therapy, the majority of parents report notable increases in their ability to walk, stand, and engage in daily activities.
The severity of the condition, the type of surgery, the child’s general health, and compliance with postoperative flat feet treatment are among the factors that affect success rates. Flat feet surgery can help children resume an active, pain-free lifestyle and provide long-lasting relief with proper recovery and physical therapy.
Different Types of Flat Foot Surgery
Tendon Repair/ tendon transfer
The tibialis posterior tendon is most important for maintaining the medial arch of the foot. In severe flat foot, it stretches out and becomes lax so much that it can’t maintain the medial arch of the foot. Then it becomes imperative to tighten it. Sometimes, to address the problem in this instance, the surgeon will employ a tendon transfer. To support the rebuilt arch, the surgeon might also repair any damaged ligaments.
Bone Cuts and Realignment
To realign the foot and correct a flat foot, a variety of bone incisions (osteotomies) are available. To move the heel bone and strengthen the tendon transfer, a posterior tibial tendon transfer is frequently coupled with a calcaneal osteotomy. A plate or metal screws hold the heel in place.
Osteotomies are utilised in more difficult situations to lengthen and restructure a portion of the foot. A bone graft is necessary for several of these surgeries. By using a bone bank or the child’s own bone, usually from the hip, bone transplants can greatly reduce the risks of removing pelvic bone. The graft is carefully positioned and moulded to restore the foot’s original contour.
Joint Fusion
Arthrodesis, or the fusion of joints within the foot, is necessary for severe, late phases of flat foot, which are typically rigid and inflexible. The surgeon might have to use screws to unite one or more joints permanently. In this situation, the foot may not be able to move inward or outward, but it can still move up and down. When deciding whether to treat flat feet with joint fusion, the severity of the foot deformity is crucial.
Flat Feet Surgery – Benefits
Following flat feet surgery, we hope you will enjoy the following advantages.
- Relief of foot arch discomfort
- Minimal likelihood of the foot deformity recurring
- Enhanced foot strength and balance
- Capacity to resume regular activities pain-free
Recovery and Physical Therapy
Children who have flat feet surgery may need 4 to 6 weeks to recover. Physical therapy and adhering to the doctor’s instructions are crucial during this phase. Children’s flat feet can be prevented from returning with regular exercise, physical therapy, and post-operative rehabilitation.
With quick recovery, surgery for a child with flat feet is a less invasive technique. After flat foot surgery, bearing weight on the feet is not an issue. This is, in fact, seen as a benefit of this surgical method.
The child should start physical therapy activities and regain foot strength after a few weeks of recovery. The screws can be taken out if they continue to cause problems. The foot has adapted to normal function following the removal of the implants implanted during flat foot correction surgery, rather than returning to flatfoot.
How Life Changes after Flat Foot Surgery
Life after flat foot surgery often brings significant improvements in comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life. As the foot heals, the child typically experiences reduced pain, better balance, and improved arch support, making daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and standing for extended periods much easier.
Recovery requires patience, as full healing may take several months. With proper post-operative care, supportive footwear, and physical therapy, most children enjoy long-term relief and greater confidence in their movement and overall foot function.
Stronger, Healthier Steps with Trishla Ortho’s Reliable Expert Care
Parents can make well-informed decisions regarding their child’s mobility and long-term foot health by being aware of paediatric flat feet surgery. Many kids with flat feet don’t need surgery, but those with severe deformities, ongoing pain, or limited function can greatly benefit from prompt flat foot surgery in India.
Early diagnosis, professional assessment, and individualised care can enhance foot alignment, lessen discomfort, and promote normal growth. Our skilled pediatric orthopaedic doctors offer comprehensive care utilising cutting-edge surgical techniques and child-centred rehabilitation programmes.
With compassionate, top-notch orthopaedic care, we are dedicated to helping every kid achieve greater mobility, enhanced comfort, and a more active, self-assured future.
