HyProCure Surgery Permanently Stabilizes Flat Feet in Children & Adults

Understanding HyProCure Surgery for Flat Feet

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, is a common foot condition where the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole of the foot to touch the ground. This misalignment can cause pain, instability, and other issues. HyProCure surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can help realign and stabilize flat feet, especially in children.

What Causes Flat Feet?

There are several potential causes of flat feet. These include:

• Genetics
• Ligament laxity
• Obesity
• Aging
• Pregnancy
• Injury or overuse

Younger children often have flexible flat feet that they outgrow. However, flat feet can persist and cause problems. When arch development is delayed or disrupted, supportive treatment may be needed.

Problems Associated with Flat Feet

If left untreated, flat feet can contribute to issues like:

• Pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, or back
• Increased strain on the posterior tibial tendon
• Overpronation and improper gait
• Higher risk of injuries
• Bunions, hammertoes, and calluses

These symptoms often get progressively worse over time without orthotic support. Custom orthotics and shoes inserts may help, but surgery can provide more permanent correction.

What is HyProCure Surgery?

The HyProCure procedure is a minimally invasive surgery to stabilize flat foot alignment. It addresses the root cause instead of just treating the symptoms.

During HyProCure, a small titanium stent is implanted to reposition the heel bone and support the arch. This restores the foot's alignment and takes pressure off injured structures.

Candidates for HyProCure Surgery

Good candidates for HyProCure surgery include children and adults who have:

• Painful, rigid flatfeet
• Tried arch supports or braces without success
• Sprains, tendonitis, or posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
• Trouble walking or playing sports due to flat feet

The procedure may also benefit those at risk of developing joint, muscle, or tendon disorders later in life due to untreated flat feet.

The HyProCure Surgery Procedure

HyProCure is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia or conscious sedation. Using a small incision, the surgeon implants a stent into the sinus tarsi, a small tunnel between ankle bones. The stent repositions the heel bone to rebuild the arch.

The procedure takes around 30 minutes. Patients can bear weight on the foot soon after surgery but will need to avoid high-impact activities during the 6-8 week recovery period.

Benefits of HyProCure Surgery

When successful, HyProCure surgery can provide both immediate and long-lasting benefits. It may:

• Relieve chronic foot pain
• Correct overpronation and improve stability
• Restore proper foot alignment and arch height
• Prevent future injuries or deformities
• Allow return to activities without pain or limitations

Unlike arch supports that must be worn indefinitely, HyProCure offers permanent stabilization in many cases. It tackles the root mechanical cause of flat feet instead of just managing discomfort.

Is HyProCure Right for My Child?

Parents may wonder if HyProCure surgery is appropriate for their child's flat feet. Every case is unique, but good pediatric candidates include active children who have:

• Rigid flatfeet since early childhood
• Ongoing foot pain despite arch supports
• Difficulty with sports due to flat feet
• A family history of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

HyProCure may help stabilize foot alignment before activities and weight gain contribute to deformities over time. Discuss goals, activities, and alternatives with your child's podiatrist.

Recovery from HyProCure Surgery

Recovery from HyProCure surgery focuses on:

• Allowing appropriate bone healing
• Reducing inflammation and swelling
• Restoring mobility and strength

Use crutches when walking for the first 1-2 weeks to avoid putting weight on the foot. Ice, compression, elevation, pain relievers, and platelets can ease discomfort and speed healing.

A doctor-supervised physical therapy program also helps restore function. In as little as 6-8 weeks, most patients can resume normal activities without arch supports.

Risks and Complications

HyProCure has risks including:

• Infection
• Ongoing pain or instability
• Nerve damage
• Stent dislocation
• Stiffness, swelling, or scar tissue
• Arthritis

Proper surgical techniques and aftercare reduce these risks. Talk with your surgeon about the pros and cons of HyProCure to make an informed decision.

In the vast majority cases, HyProCure surgery successfully stabilizes flat feet. Children and teens often have excellent, pain-free outcomes that allow unlimited activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HyProCure painful?

Some mild discomfort after surgery is normal while healing occurs. This typically resolves within a few weeks with pain management. Most patients experience significant pain relief on corrected feet.

How long does it take to recover from HyProCure?

Recovery times vary, but most can resume normal shoes in 6-8 weeks. A walking boot and crutches are often used initially to allow proper healing. Sports may be allowed after 3 months.

Will insurance cover HyProCure?

Many insurance plans cover HyProCure flat foot surgery. Outcomes are superior to orthotics or arch supports alone. Talk with your provider about coverage details for your policy.

Can HyProCure fix foot pain?

Yes, restoring foot arch alignment relieves improper strain that contributes to chronic foot pain. HyProCure can eliminate discomfort for those with rigid, painful flat feet.

FAQs

Can HyProCure be done on both feet at once?

Yes, some surgeons perform bilateral HyProCure surgery to stabilize flat feet. This allows efficient recovery of both feet after a single anesthesia exposure.

Is there an age limit for HyProCure surgery?

There is no firm age limit. HyProCure can benefit children as young as 6 years old into adulthood. The sooner alignment is corrected, the lower the risk of deformities.

How long does the HyProCure stent last?

The titanium stent remains in place permanently to maintain foot realignment. Over time, bone grows into the implant to integrate it.

Does HyProCure help posterior tibial dysfunction?

Yes, HyProCure can provide lasting relief of symptoms related to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction caused by flat feet.