Q My arches are collapsing, and my feet are hurting more. Can I stop the collapse? The posterior tibial tendon is responsible for helping maintain the foot’s arch. As this tendon wears out, it loses its ability to withstand the stress of walking or standing. The key to halting this progression is to take the stress and strain off the tendon by supporting the foot and strengthening the tendon. Good ways to do this include wearing an orthotic insole, resting the foot, taking anti-inflammatory medications and, in some instances, getting physical therapy to strengthen the tendon. The less this tendon has to work, the healthier it will stay, and the less pain you will experience. QWhat about an arch that is high? Some people are just born with a high arch, and it doesn’t bother them. In other cases, a high arch is caused by a nerve disorder, clubfoot as a child or an injury. High arches can be a problem if the heel bone (calcaneus) is pointing more vertically than it would in neutral feet. This causes the bones of the midfoot to be more elevated and force the bones leading to the toes to go down toward the ground at a sharper angle. In severe cases, surgery may be required to correct a foot’s shape. QWhat happens during foot surgery? The flexibility or rigidity of the foot helps determine the best surgical approach. If the foot is flexible, surgery may include cutting and shifting the heel bone, transferring a tendon, and possibly lengthening one part of the foot. If it is rigid, it may require the bones in the foot to be fused. There is no “one solution fits all” scenario—the foot dictates which surgical option will be of the greatest benefit for each patient. QWhat is the recovery time after foot surgery? It is typically advised to put no weight on your foot for six weeks, then progressively start putting weight on your foot thereafter. In total, patients can expect at least four to six months of recovery before they can begin doing some of the things they love to do and a full year before they see the maximum benefit from the surgery. QWhere can I have my feet evaluated? Kootenai Clinic Orthopedics offers a full evaluation of our patients’ feet. We regularly help patients reduce their foot pain, improve function and restore their quality of life. Ask the Expert Edward Rooney, M.D. Kootenai Clinic Orthopedics Q My feet are starting to hurt. Is foot structure a likely cause? Two conditions are responsible for most foot pain: flat feet (pes planus) and high-arched feet (pes cavus). Both contribute to the structure of the foot, the way the tendons and ligaments react, and how much pain feet may be in. Flat Arch Normal Arch High Arch Help for hurting feet Find out how Kootenai Health’s team approach to orthopedic care can get you pain-free. Visit KH.org/orthopedic or call (208) 625-6111.
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