Monday, December 2, 2013

Adult Acquired Flat Foot after Reconstructive Surgery



Adult Acquired Flat Foot aka Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction aka Collapsed HindFoot.

At the Family Foot and Leg Center, PA. We see this condition way too often under diagnosed and under treated in the community at large.  Clinical exam will show that the patient is unable to do single heel raise test, meaning have difficulty in going tip toe on the one foot and noticing the arch gradually collapsing.
Patients will also complain about pain along the medial ankle (tibia), sometimes the patient may have nerve pain / impingement from the severe collapse of the ankle / hindfoot.

Here is a video discussing flat foot deformity in an adult with a patient and foot model.
Secrets to adult flat foot and painful arches with collapse. 1) Not all DPM's and Orthopedists are trained to treat this condition surgically.   Foot and Ankle Fellowship trained orthopods have special training to handle such condition but also varies by the practioner, if you feel uncomfortable get a second opinion.    DPM's that are board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in Reconstructive Rearfoot & Ankle Surgery have demonstrated the ability to handle hindfoot deformities and cases have been reviewed and verified, as of this publishing 950 DPMS in the country have this certification.     Most DPM and Orthopedists are supposed to be able to recognize this condition and refer to the appropriate subspecialist for your care.  In our area unfortunately, patients are referred far away from our practice due to political and financial gains.    No one does more reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery cases then FFLC in Collier County, FL.   2) Braces and orthotics can help to control the symptoms but will not solve the condition. Sometimes a brace and orthotics are the only thing that patients can use due to other medical conditions that precludes them from surgery such as PAD (peripheral arterial disease), poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, etc. 3) Early detection in grade I of the disease, vs grade IV in the disease with complete ruptured tendon has a greater chance of responding to less invasive care. Website: ABPS.org Some DPM's are Foot Surgeon certified Minority are double board certified in both Foot &  Reconstructive Rearfoot & Ankle surgery.  
Dr. Kevin K. Lam
Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Care
Post Residency Reconstructive Rearfoot / Ankle Surgery : Fellowship Director
www.NaplesPodiatrist.com
Office: 239 430 FOOT
Fax: 866 650 3324
Double Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon
  • American Board Of Podiatric Surgery
    • Foot Surgery
    • Reconstructive RearFoot & Ankle Surgery
  • American Board of Lower Extremity Surgeons
    • Foot Surgery
    • Reconstructive RearFoot & Ankle Surgery