Flat foot, or fallen arch, is a condition where the arch of the foot collapses, leading to pain, imbalance, and limited mobility. At Meleca Foot and Ankle, we specialize in treating flat feet through a combination of conservative and advanced surgical techniques, tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Dr. Salvatore Meleca, an experienced foot and ankle surgeon, offers customized treatment plans to help restore function, alleviate pain, and improve overall foot alignment. Our goal is to provide effective solutions that enhance your quality of life and mobility.

1. Custom Orthotics for Flat Feet Custom orthotics are often the first line of treatment for patients with flat feet. These specially crafted devices provide arch support, reduce strain on muscles and ligaments, and help distribute weight more evenly across the foot. At our practice, we use advanced diagnostic tools to create orthotics that match the contours of your feet, offering targeted support where it’s needed most. Properly fitted orthotics can relieve pain, correct alignment, and prevent further progression of flat foot deformity.

2. Physical Therapy for Strength and Flexibility For many flat foot patients, physical therapy is a key component of a successful treatment plan. Our team collaborates with physical therapists who specialize in foot and ankle conditions, offering exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting the arch and improve flexibility in the foot and ankle. These exercises help restore balance, enhance stability, and reduce strain on the feet and lower legs. Through guided therapy, patients often experience significant relief from pain and a noticeable improvement in foot function and alignment.

3. Surgical Reconstruction for Severe Flat Foot Deformities In cases where conservative treatments are not enough to relieve symptoms or when flat foot deformity is severe, Dr. Meleca may recommend surgical reconstruction. Flat foot reconstruction is a highly specialized procedure designed to rebuild the arch, correct structural deformities, and restore proper foot function.

• • Types of Surgical Reconstruction Techniques: Dr. Meleca is skilled in various reconstruction techniques, including osteotomies (bone cuts) to reposition bones, tendon transfers to enhance support, and fusions to stabilize joints and prevent further collapse. Each surgical plan is carefully customized, based on the patient’s unique anatomy and the severity of the deformity.
  • Minimally Invasive Options: Whenever possible, we utilize minimally invasive techniques to reduce recovery time, minimize scarring, and promote a faster return to activity. These advanced techniques offer patients the benefit of effective surgical correction with less postoperative discomfort.
  • Recovery and Rehabilitation: Post-surgery, our patients receive a comprehensive recovery plan, which may include physical therapy, custom orthotics, and follow-up care to ensure optimal healing and long-term results. Dr. Meleca and our team work closely with each patient to monitor progress and support them throughout the rehabilitation process.