Flat Foot Surgery
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, LA
Flatfoot, also called pes planus, is a foot deformity in which the arch collapses, often causing pain in the foot, ankle, and even the knee. While non surgical therapies like custom orthotics can help in the early stages, some patients require surgical correction to restore the natural shape and alignment of the foot.
At New Orleans Podiatry, we provide both adult-acquired flatfoot reconstruction and pediatric flatfoot correction. Dr. Edward Lang is certified in the HyProCure® implant procedure and specializes in a range of advanced techniques such as calcaneal osteotomy, tendon transfers, and spring ligament repair. We use careful diagnosis and surgical planning to tailor your procedure to your unique needs, whether the goal is to restore arch height, repair a torn tendon, or stabilize the heel bone.
Improves arch height and foot alignment.
Surgical correction using bone cuts, tendon transfers, or ligament repairs to relieve pain in the foot and ankle.
From minimally invasive implants to complex reconstructions.
Helps prevent further surgery and joint degeneration.
In a healthy foot, the arch acts like a spring, absorbing shock and distributing your body weight evenly. Flat foot, also called pes planus, is a condition where the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground when standing. This can occur in one or both feet and may be present from childhood (congenital) or develop later in life (adult-acquired flat foot). A flattened arch causes the foot to lose some of this natural support, which can lead to changes in alignment throughout the foot, ankle, knee, and even the hips and back.
Flat feet can range from flexible—where the arch appears when the foot is lifted but flattens when standing—to rigid—where the arch is absent at all times. Causes include ligament laxity, injury to the posterior tibial tendon, arthritis, or bone alignment issues. While some people with flat feet never experience discomfort, others develop symptoms such as foot pain, swelling along the inside border of the foot, fatigue in the legs, or difficulty standing or walking for long periods. Treatment depends on the severity of the deformity and may include non-surgical therapies like custom orthotics or, in more advanced cases, surgical correction to restore the arch and foot function.
Flat foot surgery encompasses a range of personalized treatment options that may include techniques like bone cuts, bone graft placement, tendon transfers, or fusing joints to restore the arch and the foot’s neutral position. The approach depends on whether the deformity is flexible or rigid, the presence of arthritis, and whether the posterior tibial tendon or tibialis posterior tendon is damaged.
Adult-acquired flat foot is often caused by dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon, while pediatric flat feet are frequently linked to ligament laxity or bone alignment issues. For flexible pediatric flatfoot, a HyProCure® implant can block overpronation without major bone surgery. For severe deformities, procedures like a calcaneal osteotomy or triple arthrodesis may be required.
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation and precision diagnostics to understand the causes of your flat foot. Dr. Lang prioritizes patient education, helping you understand your options and the details of your entire treatment plan, from surgery through recovery.
Dr. Lang customizes each surgical correction to your condition and medical history. Most procedures are performed as an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia. The goal is to restore the foot to a neutral position, repair damaged tendons, and correct the deformity to provide lasting results.
Bone procedures for flat foot may include:
Soft tissue repairs may include:
For patients with flexible flatfoot, the HyProCure® Subtalar EOTTS Implant offers a minimally invasive way to restore healthy foot and ankle alignment without major bone surgery. This small titanium device is placed into the sinus tarsi, a natural space between the ankle and heel bones, to block excessive inward rolling (overpronation) and support the arch.
Dr. Edward Lang is certified in the HyProCure® procedure, giving his patients access to one of the most effective modern treatments for flat feet in both children and adults. The implant helps relieve pain, reduce strain on the posterior tibial tendon, and improve stability, often allowing patients to return to normal walking in a protective boot within days. Because the procedure doesn’t involve cutting or fusing bones, recovery is typically quicker and more comfortable than traditional flat foot reconstruction.
Flat foot surgery can correct:
Surgical correction of flat foot improves your comfort, mobility, and quality of life. Patients often report better balance and posture, and a greater ability to wear normal shoes without custom shoe inserts.
You may be a candidate for surgical correction if you have flat feet that cause persistent symptoms despite non surgical treatments like orthotics, physical therapy, or ankle braces. Flatfoot surgery is especially beneficial for patients with significant structural deformity, tendon damage (most often involving the posterior tibial tendon), or arthritic changes in the foot joints that cause pain, instability, or difficulty walking.
A full evaluation, including x-rays, is performed to review your medical history, the severity of deformity, and your overall leg and ankle health before recommending surgery.
Dr. Lang and his team provide full support for the recovery period, with detailed aftercare instructions, post-op appointments, and open communication to provide extra guidance any time you need it. Recovery time ranges depending on the specifics of your procedure. Bone procedures require a period of non-weight bearing with the foot elevated, followed by gradual weight bearing in a removable boot. Soft tissue repairs often allow earlier mobility.
During the first 6–8 weeks, the foot and ankle is typically protected in a boot to ensure optimal bone healing and tendon recovery. Patients may begin physical therapy when it is safe to do so, helping restore flexibility and strength. Full recovery can take several months, but most patients find the process very worthwhile, enjoying significant improvements in comfort and mobility as they transition back to everyday activities.
With proper care, surgical correction can permanently restore arch height and function. Once swelling resolves, patients typically notice improved foot position, stronger support for the toes and ankle, and the ability to walk without pain.
For many, these results translate into a lifetime of greater mobility, reduced discomfort during daily activities, and the freedom to participate in hobbies, work, and exercise without the limitations flat feet once imposed.
Most patients are non-weight bearing for 6–8 weeks, depending on the extent of bone cuts or tendon repair performed during surgery.
If the operated leg is your left foot, you may be able to drive an automatic car once you’re off strong pain medication and Dr. Lang clears you.
Like any surgery, foot surgery carries certain risks, such as swelling, infection, delayed bone healing, nerve injury, and rare complications like a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis. Working with an experienced, board-certified surgeon like Dr. Lang and adhering closely to all aftercare instructions helps keep risks minimal.
Perhaps, but not always. Physical therapy is sometimes recommended for restoring arch support, tendon strength, and ankle mobility after surgical correction.
Recurrence of flat foot after surgery is rare if the underlying deformity is fully corrected. Wearing proper footwear, any recommended shoe inserts, and attending follow-up visits are important for maintaining the results of your procedure.
Call Us: (504) 897-3627
Text Us: (504) 897-3627
Mon-Thurs: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri: 7:00 AM - 12 PM (phones on until 5 PM, texting is provided after hours until 9pm)
