Adult Acquired Flat Foot is the common name for a foot disorder called posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD). The posterior tibial tendon is responsible for providing support to the arches. When the tendon becomes dysfunctional, it causes the arches to flatten due to lack of support. The posterior tibial tendon can become dysfunctional for a number of reasons, but the most common reason is overuse during one of the following activities: running, walking, hiking, and climbing stairs. Once the foot begins to flatten, this condition will continue to progress without treatment.
Did you know…
Adult Acquired Flat Foot is extremely common and affects approximately 3 million Americans every year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have PTTD?
You may be experiencing the early signs of PTTD if you have pain localized on the inside of your foot and along the tendon that runs down your ankle, or if you notice redness, swelling, and radiating heat in this area. In more severe cases, you may notice your foot and toes turning outward and your ankles turning inward. In this case, the pain will often move from the inside of your foot to the outside of your foot, just below your ankle. It is better to get PTTD treated early on, so if you believe you are showing symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hadfield today!
How will Dr. Hadfield diagnose and treat PTTD?
Dr. Hadfield will review your medical history, do a comprehensive physical exam, and perform x-rays. Once he makes a diagnosis, he will then discuss your treatment options with you.
PTTD treatment depends upon the severity of each individual case. Minor cases of PTTD are usually treated by changing the types of shoes you wear or by simply adding inserts or orthotics to provide your arches with extra support while walking and standing. More moderate cases may require a period of immobilization with a leg cast or boot to allow your tendon to heal. This is usually accompanied or followed by physical therapy used to strengthen the tendon. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also be used during this time to manage pain. Finally, if you have a severe case of PTTD and are not responding to non-surgical treatments, Dr. Hadfield may recommend a surgical approach.
What can I expect after being treated for PTTD?
Unfortunately, there is no curing PTTD, however it can be managed through continued efforts by you and Dr. Hadfield. At home, you will need to continue to wear proper footwear with orthotics to provide support and avoid walking barefoot. You will want to monitor your pain levels and minimize your activity levels when you notice discomfort. In addition, you will want to schedule regular check ups with Dr. Hadfield to monitor your feet and make treatment alterations as needed.
Dr. Hadfield of Hadfield Foot & Ankle has been serving McKinney and the surrounding Collin County area by providing excellent care to patients through highly skilled conservative and surgical treatments, as well as superior customer service. If you have foot or ankle concerns, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hadfield today and take your next step forward!