A flatfoot deformity starts off as a flexible flatfoot deformity that affects the tendons and ligaments that support the inner side of the foot and ankle. This causes the foot arch to collapse when standing, although the foot arch is maintained when not bearing weight through the foot.
Flexible Flatfoot Deformities
A flexible flatfoot deformity results from damage to the tibialis posterior tendon that supports the arch of the foot. This causes pain at the inner side of the foot and ankle. If a flexible flatfoot deformity gets worse, it can cause the foot and ankle bones to shift out of place.
Early on, physical therapy, injections, and wearing supportive footwear can improve the alignment of the foot and decrease pain from a flexible flatfoot deformity. If symptoms continue or get worse, surgery may be considered to restore function and alignment of the foot and ankle.
There are different types of surgery that can be used to treat a flexible flatfoot deformity. Often, tendons and ligaments around the foot and ankle can be reconstructed to provide stability. Sometimes, the bones may have to be realigned.
