SmartHallux® Method
Smarthallux explains to you
All you need to know
on flat feet or pronation syndrome
What does flat foot mean?
Flat foot is an anatomical and functional alteration of the foot in which there is a reduction or disappearance of the plantar arch and, therefore, an increase in the contact surface of the foot with the ground.
Flat foot can have consequences in adults such as a lesion of the posterior tibial tendon or a pathology affecting the subtalar and talonavicular joints and, in the most serious cases, also with repercussions affecting the knee, hip and back.
It is a multifactorial disease, meaning it is caused by both genetic and environmental factors. It presents with changes in bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons, and typically manifests with pain and dysfunction, if not rupture, of the posterior tibial tendon, the "thread" connected to the central nervous system that regulates the proper functioning of the foot.
What causes flat feet?
The condition is caused by an alteration of certain joints in the foot, often resulting in dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon. The heel tends to deviate outward, altering the shape of the medial arch, resulting in an increased footprint, visible, for example, when walking on sand. It should be noted that this condition is not always considered a true pathology.
There are many examples of people with flat feet without experiencing any dysfunction. Just think, for example, of Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world. The foot has a dynamic function and must be physiologically flat during the support phase to "cushion" the body's weight and become hollow during the push-off phase to maximize the pushing force of the triceps surae. Problems due to this abnormal foot shape arise only when the syndrome becomes symptomatic and therefore pathological, because the compensatory mechanisms are lacking, resulting in pain and instability.
Diagnosis of flat foot
A specialist visit is essential to make a diagnosis .
The orthopedic specialist is able to diagnose a “flat foot” simply by observing the patient while walking barefoot.
To make a diagnosis and decide on the patient's treatment plan, the doctor uses an X-ray of both feet under weight-bearing conditions. This test is performed with the patient standing, because standing is where the foot works. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that the specialist may request in specific cases.
Conservative therapy
In patients who are not a candidate for or refuse surgery, the use of orthotics, combined with physical therapies such as Tecar Therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, can help compensate and thus control symptoms. In short, it can help the affected joints and tendons function more biomechanically, without, however, resolving the underlying problem. This goal can only be achieved through surgery, the type of which varies depending on the underlying deformity, the size of the affected tendons, the degree of degenerative status of the affected joints, and, above all, the patient's age.
Adult flat foot: surgical intervention
Adult flat foot surgery aims to correct all deformities to achieve a "plantigrade" foot, in which, in practice, the support of the foot is physiological, through osteotomies, arthrodesis, transfers and tendon lengthening.
SmartHallux's goal is to revolutionize the treatment of pronation syndrome and all the most common foot and ankle conditions. To achieve this goal, we adopt the best surgical techniques, orthopedic devices, instruments, and materials available on the market.
We offer private healthcare at an affordable and affordable cost. Unfortunately, public and private healthcare systems have spending limits that limit the use of materials, equipment, and facilities, as well as excessively long waiting times.
With SmartHallux you will have access to the best possible treatments, in excellent facilities and without having to wait for public health authorities.
Surgical techniques have undergone an important evolution compared to the past, starting from anesthesia and post-operative pain control.
Why choose SmartHallux?
Our doctors, led by Dr. Manzi, have extensive experience in treating pronation syndrome or adult flat feet, with a very high percentage of satisfied patients.
The secrets of our success lie in the use of the best surgical and anesthesiological techniques, and the use of cutting-edge, top-quality materials.
Waiting times for pronation syndrome surgery through the National Health Service (NHS) can be very long, varying from region to region and from facility to facility. In some cases, the wait can be several months or even years. SmartHallux offers the possibility of accessing the procedure more quickly, avoiding long waiting lists.
Anesthesia
The anesthesia we use at SmartHallux for this type of pathology involves sedation combined with local anesthesia. Sedation allows the patient to breathe independently, avoiding the risks of general and spinal anesthesia. It is also minimally invasive compared to other anesthesia techniques, avoiding the use of a catheter, which is sometimes necessary following spinal anesthesia.
Complications and risks of the surgery
The risks and complications associated with adult flatfoot surgery are very rare, especially with the minimally invasive surgery we use. They include bleeding, allergic reactions, infections, deep vein thrombosis, embolisms, and skin complications, nerve damage with loss of sensation, persistent pain at the scar, joint stiffness, and pseudoarthrosis.
The recovery
Recovery times vary depending on the type of surgery performed. Following adult flatfoot surgery, the patient must wear a cast for approximately four weeks, on which they can bear full body weight. After 4 days of surgery, the patient can walk without aids and drive again. Regarding the return to sports activities, the timeframe is slightly longer: for low- to medium-impact sports, at least 45 days must have passed, and for contact sports, at least 50 days must have passed since the surgery.
How much?
Regarding costs, flat foot surgery can vary depending on the technique used, the complexity of the case, and the healthcare facility where it is performed. Typically, the average cost is around €9-€10.000. At SmartHallux, thanks to the advanced technique used and our collaboration with several clinics, you can get a significantly more competitive price.
SmartHallux® Certified Clinics
FAQ
There are several options for booking a consultation with Dr. Manzi.
Dr. Manzi visits medical practices that collaborate with SmartHallux located in Rome, Milan and Naples
It is also possible to book a telemedicine visit.
