As a flatfoot deformity gets worse, it progresses to a rigid flatfoot deformity. This causes the bones in the foot and ankle to shift out of place, which makes the foot arch permanently flattened.
A rigid flatfoot deformity results from permanent changes in the alignment of the foot and ankle bones from lack of support from tendons and ligaments. In some cases, this can lead to osteoarthritis or cause the bones to abnormally fuse together.
Surgery is the recommended treatment for rigid flatfoot deformities to improve the alignment of the foot and ankle bones.
Surgery for rigid flatfoot deformities involves reconstructing the alignment of the foot and ankle by fusing the bones together with metal plates, screws, and staples.
