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Flatfoot Specialist

Eugene Stautberg, MD Our Services Ankle and Foot Deformity

Eugene Stautberg, MD

General Orthopedic Surgeon & Foot and Ankle Specialist located in Pearland, TX

Falls and overuse injuries can leave structural damage that causes painful deformities in your foot and ankle. At his practice in Pearland, Sugar Land, Baytown and Houston, Eugene Stautberg, MD offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment of common foot and ankle deformities, such as flatfoot and high arches, known as cavus foot. Dr. Stautberg creates a custom treatment plan to address your symptoms and prevent additional injuries to your foot and ankle. Schedule a consultation online or by phone to learn more about nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for foot and ankle deformities.

Flatfoot Deformity Q & A

What are types of foot and ankle deformities?

Flatfoot and cavovarus foot are the most common types of foot and ankle deformities.

In flatfoot, also known as progressive collapsing flatfoot deformity, the tendon that stabilizes the arch of your foot becomes inflamed or tears. This damage causes the foot to lose its stability and support, resulting in dropped arches and a flatfoot deformity.

The cavovarus foot deformity is having a high arch. This can lead to pain on the outside of the foot and ankle.

What causes foot and ankle deformities?

A flatfoot deformity often results from an acute injury, such as a fall. You can also develop tendon damage due to an overuse or repetitive-use injury.

The risk of developing flatfoot increases as you age. Other factors, like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, can also increase your risk for this type of foot deformity.

Many people are born with a flatfoot, which can be a normal variant of foot posture. 

What are the symptoms of flatfoot deformities?

When you develop flatfoot, you may feel persistent pain along the inside of your foot and ankle. Pain often worsens as you increase your activity. If you stand or are on your feet for long periods, you may have trouble walking.

Patients also can develop pain on the outside of their ankle or foot. In more severe cases, patients can develop pain over their ankle or have ankle deformity as well.

With flatfoot cases, the abnormally low arches may cause you pain when walking or standing. You may also develop noticeable foot issues like:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Calluses
  • Stress fractures

Symptoms of a flatfoot may also make it difficult for you to find shoes that fit properly.

What are the treatment options for foot and ankle deformities?

If you have flatfoot, Dr. Stautberg may initially recommend nonsurgical treatment that includes over-the-counter pain relievers, cold pack therapy, and sufficient rest for your feet and ankles. Orthopedic boots are an option for initial treatment as well. He may also suggest wearing orthotic shoe inserts to provide support for your foot.

If these treatments don’t work well for you, you might need reconstructive surgery to repair the damaged tendon and the deformity.

To learn more about treatment options for foot and ankle deformities, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Stautberg online or by calling the office.

Conditions & Treatments