Minimally Invasive Flatfoot Correction

When the arch of the foot collapses, it can throw off your entire lower body, leading to pain in the foot, ankle, knee, and even the back. Our foot and ankle specialists rebuild fallen arches using minimally invasive techniques through tiny incisions, so you get back on your feet sooner with less pain and scarring.

Orthopedic specialist pointing to an anatomical flat foot model
Illustration comparing a normal arch with a flat arch

What Is Flatfoot?

Flatfoot, or fallen arches, occurs when the arch on the inside of the foot flattens and the foot rolls inward. It can be present from childhood or develop over time, most commonly when the posterior tibial tendon, which supports the arch, weakens or tears.
 
Left untreated, flatfoot can progress, becoming more rigid and painful and straining the ankle, knee, and hip. Learn more about the condition on our flatfoot page.

What The Correction Involves

Flatfoot often involves several structures. Depending on the cause and severity, correction may include:

Minimally invasive osteotomyReshaping and realigning bones through tiny incisions to rebuild the arch.
Tendon repair or transferReinforcing or rebalancing weakened tendons, especially the posterior tibial tendon.
Arthrodesis (fusion)Stabilizing key joints in a corrected position.
Achilles lengtheningRelieving tightness that contributes to the deformity.

Are You A Candidate?

Correction is considered when flatfoot pain persists despite orthotics, supportive footwear, bracing, and physical therapy, or when the deformity is progressing.
 
A foot and ankle specialist will examine your arch, test the posterior tibial tendon, and review weight-bearing X-rays.
Side-view X-ray of the foot and ankle bones

Recovery After Flatfoot Correction

Because we preserve the surrounding soft tissue, most patients experience a smoother recovery than with traditional surgery.

After surgery

Protected weight-bearing

A boot or cast protects the correction while it heals.

Healing

Supportive bracing

Bracing supports the foot as you increase activity.

Rehabilitation

Physical therapy

Therapy restores strength and mobility.

Return to activity

Built around your goals

A timeline tailored to your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is flatfoot?

Flatfoot, or fallen arches, occurs when the arch on the inside of the foot flattens and the foot rolls inward. It can be present from childhood or develop over time, most commonly when the posterior tibial tendon weakens or tears.

Can flatfoot affect my knees and back?

Yes. A collapsed arch can change alignment through the lower body, leading to pain in the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and even the back.

What are the benefits of minimally invasive correction?

Compared with traditional open surgery: smaller incisions and less scarring, less pain and swelling, a lower risk of wound complications, improved cosmetic results, and a faster return to activity.

What does the correction involve?

Depending on the cause, it may include reshaping and realigning bones through tiny incisions, repairing or transferring tendons, fusing key joints, and lengthening a tight Achilles tendon.

Is flatfoot correction same-day surgery?

Many minimally invasive flatfoot corrections are performed as same-day, outpatient surgery.

What is recovery like?

Your plan includes a period of protected weight-bearing, supportive bracing, and physical therapy, with a return-to-activity timeline built around your goals.

Do I need surgery for flatfoot?

Not always. Orthotics, supportive shoes, bracing, and physical therapy help in early stages. Surgery is considered when pain persists or the deformity progresses.

How do I find out if I am a candidate?

A foot and ankle specialist will examine your arch and review weight-bearing X-rays. Call (321) 499-4646.

Symptoms Of Flatfoot

Symptoms can include:

  • Aching or fatigue along the arch or inner ankle.
  • Pain that worsens with activity or standing.
  • Swelling on the inside of the ankle.
  • Difficulty with balance, walking, or wearing shoes.
  • Knee, hip, or lower-back pain from altered alignment.
Close-up of a flat foot with a collapsed arch

Related Treatments

Why Choose Minimally Invasive Correction

The Minimally Invasive Advantage

How minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery compares with traditional open surgery.

Traditional open surgeryMinimally invasiveOffered at Total Spine
IncisionA longer incision to expose the bones and joints.Small incisions, often just a few millimeters.
Soft tissueMore disruption of skin and soft tissue.Less disruption of the surrounding tissue.
SettingMay involve a hospital stay.Usually an outpatient, same-day procedure.
RecoveryOften more swelling and a longer recovery.Typically less pain and swelling and a faster return to walking.
ScarringA larger, more noticeable scar.Smaller scars.

Minimally invasive flatfoot correction offers smaller incisions, less pain and swelling, and a faster return to activity than traditional open surgery.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • Same-day foot reconstruction

    Our foot and ankle specialists rebuild fallen arches through tiny incisions.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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