New Internal Orthotic Surgical Technique Helps Those With Flat-Feet

[Guest guest]

New Internal Orthotic Surgical Technique Helps Those With Flat-Feet

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=29846

30 Aug 2005

Many Americans suffer from various forms of flat-foot, a physical

condition where there is an absence of the arch that runs from the

toes to the heel of the foot. In some instances flatfoot arises from

abnormal foot development. Most adult cases of flat-foot are

typically caused by arthritis, foot and ankle trauma or a tendon

rupture. The consequences of untreated cases can be severe.

Flat-fleet, also known as hyper-pronation, can lead to other foot

problems; such as hammertoes, plantar fasciitis or Achilles

tenditis "

explains Manhattan podiatrist, Dr. Oliver Zong. The most common

symptom of flatfoot is pain. Due to a weak structure, feet that are

lacking arches cannot support the weight of the body properly.

" Many

patients come in with complaints of leg pain, knee ailments, shoulder

pain and/or neck stiffness that is the result of advanced hyper-

pronation, " shares Dr. Zong. Years of walking with over-pronated

feet

can cause structural changes to the ankles as well as the knees, hips

and back. In addition, lack of shock-absorption causes an increase in

pressure to these joints and may lead to pain, joint stiffness and

arthritis.

Severe cases may need to be treated surgically. One surgical option

that has become the treatment of choice for many surgeons is the

Sinus Tarsi Implant procedure. The Sinus Tarsi Implant is small soft-

threaded titanium device that is inserted into a small opening called

the sinus tarsi. " The insertion of the implant is a 5 minute

procedure that involves a brief outpatient surgery and several

stitches to close the incision, " says Dr. Zong.

Acting like an " internal orthotic, " the placement of the

implant

restores the arch by preventing the displacement of the talus and by

preventing the foot from rolling-in (pronating). Since the tissue

grows normally around the implant it aids in holding it in place.

Following surgery you will typically be partially weight-bearing with

crutches or a cane until you can bear full weight, which is usually

around two weeks. The postoperative care varies from patient to

patient.

KMR Communications, Inc.

http://www.kmrcommunications.com