Your Trusted Specialist for Flat Foot Treatment Near You
Flat Foot Correction in Buffalo, NY
Most of us take the arches of our feet for granted until they start causing pain. Flat feet, or fallen arches, can lead to a domino effect of discomfort, radiating from the soles of your feet up to your ankles, knees, and even your lower back. While many people live with flat feet without issue, for others, the collapse of the arch leads to persistent aching, swelling, and difficulty standing for long periods. When supportive shoes and orthotics aren't enough to keep you moving comfortably, it may be time to seek a more permanent solution. Flat foot correction involves specialized treatments designed to restore the arch and align the foot properly. But because the foot is a complex structure, you need a specialist who understands its intricate biomechanics.
At Buffalo Orthopedics, Dr. Parentis offers a level of expertise and personal attention that stands out in the medical field. With over 25 years of experience and a double fellowship in sports medicine and foot/ankle surgery, he is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat complex foot conditions like adult-acquired flatfoot. Unlike large, impersonal clinics where you might feel like just another number, our solo practice offers a friendly atmosphere where everybody knows your name. You will see Dr. Parentis himself at many of your visits. We are currently accepting new patients and welcome those seeking second opinions or care for Workers' Compensation cases.
If you are searching for a truly qualified specialist who can provide expert guidance on correcting flat feet, look no further. Contact Buffalo Orthopedics today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward pain-free walking.
What is Flat Foot Correction and How Does it Work?
Flat foot (pes planus) occurs when the arch on the inside of your foot flattens, allowing the entire sole to touch the floor when you stand. While some people are born with flat feet, many adults develop the condition later in life due to the weakening or tearing of the posterior tibial tendon, which supports the arch. This condition, known as Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity, can be progressive and debilitating.
Flat foot correction refers to the various surgical and non-surgical methods used to restore the arch and realign the foot. Non-surgical approaches focus on support, but when these fail, flat foot correction surgery may be necessary. The specific surgical approach depends on the severity of the deformity but typically involves a combination of procedures. This might include cleaning or repairing the damaged tendon, cutting and shifting the heel bone (osteotomy) to restore alignment, or fusing joints to provide stability. Dr. Parentis customizes the surgical plan to rebuild the arch and prevent the condition from worsening.
How Do I Schedule an Appointment?
We make it easy to access top-tier foot and ankle care. Buffalo Orthopedics is accepting new patients and is ready to help you find relief. You don't need to navigate a complex hospital system; just call our office to speak with our friendly, local staff. We are equipped to handle Workers' Compensation cases and second opinions. Whether you are looking for a "flat foot surgery" consultation or just want to explore your options, we are here for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flat Foot Correction
What Does Flat Foot Correction Treat or Help With?
The primary goal of flat foot correction is to relieve pain and restore proper function to the foot and ankle. A collapsed arch places excessive strain on the ligaments and tendons of the foot, leading to chronic pain along the inside of the ankle and arch. It can also cause the foot to roll inward (overpronation), which misaligns the leg and can cause knee and hip pain.
Flat feet treatment effectively addresses:
- Pain and Swelling: Alleviating the chronic ache along the inner foot and ankle.
- Fatigue: Reducing the tiredness and cramping experienced after standing or walking.
- Instability: Correcting the "rolling in" of the ankle that can lead to frequent sprains.
- Deformity Progression: Preventing the condition from advancing to rigid arthritis.
By realigning the foot structure, Dr. Parentis helps patients return to their daily activities without the constant burden of foot pain.
What Happens During a Flat Foot Correction Appointment?
Your experience at Buffalo Orthopedics begins with a direct, one-on-one consultation, likely with Dr. Parentis. We believe that effective care starts with a strong doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Parentis will take the time to listen to your history—when you first noticed your arch collapsing, where the pain is most intense, and how it affects your life.
He will then perform a detailed physical examination. This includes observing your feet while you stand and walk to assess the degree of collapse and overpronation. He will test the strength of your tendons and the flexibility of your joints. To confirm the diagnosis and plan potential treatment, standing X-rays will be taken to visualize the bone alignment. In some cases, an MRI may be ordered to evaluate tendon health. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Parentis will discuss your options for flat foot treatment. He will explain the benefits and risks of surgery versus conservative care, ensuring you have all the information needed to make the right choice for your lifestyle.
Is Flat Foot Correction Surgery Safe?
Flat foot correction surgery is a complex but safe and effective procedure when performed by a highly skilled specialist. Dr. Parentis’s double fellowship training in sports medicine and foot/ankle surgery gives him the advanced expertise required to perform these intricate reconstructions. He uses modern surgical techniques and hardware to ensure the best possible outcomes.
As with any major surgery, there are risks involved, such as infection, nerve injury, blood clots, or issues with bone healing (nonunion). Dr. Parentis will have a frank and open discussion with you about these risks during your consultation. He is committed to patient safety and follows strict protocols to minimize complications.
How is Flat Foot Correction Different from Other Treatment Options?
Conservative treatments for flat feet include supportive shoes, custom orthotics (arch supports), physical therapy, and ankle braces. These methods are designed to manage symptoms and prevent further collapse, but they do not fix the underlying deformity. For many patients, these measures are sufficient to live comfortably.
However, flat foot surgery is fundamentally different because it is a reconstructive solution. It physically alters the anatomy of the foot to recreate the arch and restore normal alignment. This is often the only option for patients with severe pain or deformity who have exhausted non-surgical treatments. Unlike orthotics, which you must wear forever, surgery aims to provide a lasting structural fix. As an expert specialist, Dr. Parentis can help you determine if you are a candidate for reconstruction or if non-surgical management is the better route for you.
How Long Does Recovery Take After Flat Foot Surgery?
Recovery from flat foot correction surgery is a significant commitment, as it involves reshaping the weight-bearing structure of your body. The timeline varies based on the specific procedures performed, but generally, full recovery takes several months. Immediately after surgery, you will be in a cast or splint and will need to be strictly non-weight bearing (using crutches, a knee scooter, or a wheelchair) for 6 to 8 weeks to allow the bones and tendons to heal.
Once the initial healing is confirmed, you will transition to a walking boot and begin physical therapy. Therapy is crucial to regain strength, flexibility, and balance. Most patients transition to regular shoes around the 3 to 4-month mark, though swelling can persist for up to a year. While the recovery is lengthy, the result is often a pain-free, functional foot that allows you to return to an active lifestyle.