Flat Foot Specialist
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Andrew R. Harrison, DPM
Podiatrist located in San Jose, CA & Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA
Nearly one-third of Americans have flatfoot, a condition in which you don’t have a normal foot arch. Having flat feet can cause serious symptoms, including foot pain and frequent foot fatigue. At locations in the Lower Pacific Heights area of San Francisco and San Jose, California, board-certified podiatrist Andrew R. Harrison, DPM, MS, is a flatfoot expert who treats children, teens, and adults with this painful and limiting issue. Call the office most convenient to you or schedule online.
Flat Foot Q&A
What is flatfoot?
Flatfoot is a condition in which you don't have foot arches. All children have flat feet at birth, but they normally develop arches around age 2-3. Some kids don't develop arches, so there are a number of teenagers and adults who suffer from painful symptoms related to having flat feet.
It's also common for adults to have foot arches and then lose them (collapsed arches) because of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction or other foot problems.
What symptoms does flatfoot cause?
Flatfoot can cause symptoms such as:
- Foot pain
- Heel pain
- Foot tiredness
- Foot swelling
Flatfoot doesn't always cause obvious symptoms, but it can contribute to other foot problems that do cause serious issues. For example, having flat feet can lead to changes in your gait, which could trigger or contribute to foot deformities like bunions or hammertoe.
How do you treat flat feet?
Dr. Harrison treats flat feet based on your symptoms, your foot function, and the underlying cause. He uses on-site digital X-rays, ultrasounds, or both to assess the bone and soft tissue structure in your feet. This helps him determine the right treatment path.
Some of the more conservative approaches to flat feet include custom orthotics, physical therapy, and taping the foot arches. Because flatfoot is typically caused by a problem with heel and ankle bone misalignment, the best treatment involves correcting that alignment surgically.
HyProCure® is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive hospital procedure in which Dr. Harrison repositions the heel and ankle bones. He makes a tiny incision and places a small metal stent to keep the bones in position. HyProCure is proven safe and effective for all ages.
After your HyProCure procedure, your newly aligned feet can move properly, relieving strain and your flatfoot symptoms.
How long is recovery after flatfoot surgery?
HyProCure recovery time is much shorter than with traditional flatfoot surgery because the procedure is a foot realignment rather than a major foot reconstruction.
Dr. Harrison gives you specific recovery instructions. Usually, this involves resting for 7-10 days and staying off your feet as much as possible. He may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, ice compresses, and other measures to keep you comfortable during recovery.
If you want a flatfoot fix, call Andrew R. Harrison, DPM, MS, or book a consultation with the online appointment tool.