Flat foot reconstruction surgery
Flat foot reconstruction surgery aims to rebuild the arch of the foot, reduce pain and improve walking when insoles and other treatments have not helped.
Flat foot reconstruction surgery overview
The arch of the foot can flatten because of a deformity, damage to the tendon that supports the arch or arthritis around the heel. Surgery may be recommended when the foot is painful and non-surgical treatments, such as insoles and physiotherapy, have not provided enough relief. The operation is tailored to the cause and shape of your flat foot. Your specialist will explain which procedures you need and what they are designed to achieve.
How is surgery carried out?
The procedure is usually performed under a general anaesthetic, with an injection in the foot to help control pain afterwards. Most people stay in hospital overnight.
Surgery commonly involves replacing the damaged tendon on the inside of the foot with another tendon. The heel bone may also be cut, repositioned and held with a screw to improve support beneath the arch. In some cases, a plate is placed across the top of the foot to help increase the arch.
Are there any risks?
Possible risks include:
- Infection
- Numbness caused by irritation or damage to a nearby nerve
- Continued pain or other symptoms
- Metalwork becoming uncomfortable beneath the skin
- A blood clot in the leg, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Your specialist will discuss the risks that apply to your operation before surgery.
Recovery from flat foot reconstruction surgery
Protecting the reconstruction
You will normally wear a cast or boot and avoid putting weight through the operated foot. Keep your foot raised as much as possible to reduce swelling.
Returning to your own shoes
Your foot will be X-rayed and, if healing is progressing well, you can begin putting weight through it in your own shoes with an insole or brace.
Rebuilding strength and activity
Walking and strength will gradually improve. Many people return to a good level of activity and sport within six months, with swelling and function continuing to improve for up to a year.
Working with foot and ankle professionals and teams
Our foot and ankle specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their feet and ankles. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Foot and Ankle treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Flat foot reconstruction surgery FAQs
You must be out of your cast or boot and able to perform an emergency stop safely. This usually takes at least eight weeks. Ask your specialist and check with your insurer before driving.
You may be able to return to desk-based work after around three weeks if you can travel safely and keep your foot raised. Manual work may require up to 12 weeks away.
Most people can return to a good level of activity and sport within around six months. Your physiotherapist will help you return gradually, and you may be advised to wear supportive insoles.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
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