subject: Subtalar Arthroresis For Flatfoot: Dont Even Think About It! [print this page] If you have flat feet (clinically known as pes planus deformity), you may have heard of a procedure called subtalar arthroresis and you may be wondering if it's a "cure" for your condition.
First of all, I want you to know up front that I am against this procedure. I'll explain why after I discuss flatfoot and other forms of treatment for it.
A person with a flatfoot has lost the normal medial longitudinal arch (the "highest" longitudinal arch of the foot). People with flatfoot usually have normal looking feet and the foot flexibility of people with "normal" feet. Flatfoot actually is very common.
People with flatfoot may sometimes have a dull ache, some throbbing or cramping.
If your child has flat feet, generally he or she will be able to run and play sports as well as children who don't have a flatfoot condition.
You may notice that your feet may pronate more than someone's without flatfoot. Pronation is when the foot angles inward; you usually can see it when you walk. You'll probably also notice that the inside soles of your shoes tend to wear out more quickly than the middle or outside.
Subtalar arthroresis is an operation in which an implant is placed inside your foot to correct flatfoot. Proponents tout that it restores your foot's medial longitudinal arch and prevents pronation. Tissue will grow around the implant and help hold it in place.
But complications can arise. Aside from the fact that you're operating on an otherwise healthy foot, you could experience complications such as peroneal spastic flatfoot, locking or stiffness in one of your subtalar foot joints, and pain. There's also the chance your body could have an adverse reaction the foreign body implant. The implant can be removed, of course, but possible complications from that procedure include subtalar joint arthritis, a negative affect on your tendon, resulting in rear foot pain.
In addition, you also will find that you won't be able to walk on uneven terrain as well as you used to. You will have less mobility around your hind foot, which can mean your surrounding joints will take up the increased load. This also could lead to an increased risk for ankle arthritis in the future.
Instead of surgery, your first form of treatment for your flatfoot should be shoe orthotics. Physical therapy also can help you learn how to walk and run in way to help alleviate any pain you may be experiencing. Finally, special shoes also can be created for you to help alleviate flatfoot symptoms. Most, if not all, of theses shoes come in modern styles, so the embarrassment of wearing "therapeutic" shoes is alleviated.
