I’ve had flat feet for as long as I remember. They’re not completely flat, but close enough that it’s causing me lots of pain. The misalignment in my feet is causing a misalignment in my knees, hips, and back as well, magnifying the discomfort. I’ve been told that I have chondromalacia, a softening or wearing away and cracking of the articular cartilage under the patella, resulting in pain and inflammation (definition from here that is either caused by or at least exacerbated by my flat feet. The pain is at times excruciating and bearable at best.
I can no longer go on long walks, waitress (something I love doing and make good money at), or even sit in certain positions for a long time (my knees get very angry at that last one). Teaching is often extremely painful as I’m on my feet for most of the day.
I’ve tried exercising and got insoles for my shoes, but have still be getting progressively worse. I am so fed up that I am strongly considering surgery.
Have any of you had this before or had surgery for it? I will be calling my orthopedic surgeon on Monday to schedule a consult. I’ve been in his office so many times between a broken bone in my knee about 10 years ago, a dislocated knee cap (same knee), and all of this foot and knee pain. I finally have an entire summer off (first year of teaching is in the bag -woo hoo!!), so if I’m going to do the surgery route, now is the time.
There are a few options for surgery. They can strengthen or replace the tendon responsible for holding up the arch, fuse bones together, or even insert a titanium rod, which is also referred to as an internal orthotic.
I may also need surgery for my knees as well. The pain is so severe and so constant that I fear I have very little cartilage left under the patella. :eek:
I hope it goes swimmingly, my personal theory on stuff like this is that when you’ve been in pain for so long, the recovery is a breeze because there’s at least a good reason for the pain. “Ouch, but I’m healing” is better than plain ol’ ouch.
Thanks for the well wishes. I agree with your notions on recovery 100%. At least I will have something to hopefully look forward to.
That and I’ve already told my fiance that I plan on recovering at his house rather than Mom’s. A whole two weeks (or so) of being away from Mom without her making me feel guilty for it? Man, I’m there!!
When I’m not standing, I have a slight arch. I don’t think it’s anywhere near what it should be, though.
Thanks!
I’m not 100% sure that the doc will recommend me for surgery though. He hesitantly mentioned it about two years ago when I last saw him for a dislocated knee cap.