Can Flat Feet Be Fixed? The Truth About Adult Flatfoot Correction

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

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The Flat Foot Question

“Can flat feet be fixed?” is one of the most common questions at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan. The answer depends significantly on what “fixed” means — eliminated entirely, versus managed successfully to eliminate symptoms and prevent progression.

Not All Flat Feet Are the Same

Physiologic (flexible) flat foot is a normal structural variant present in a large portion of the population. Many people with flat-looking feet have no pain and function normally throughout their lives — this is their normal foot type and does not require treatment. Pathologic flat foot causes symptoms: arch pain, inner ankle pain, fatigue with walking, or progressive deformity — and this is what treatment addresses. Adult-acquired flatfoot from posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is a progressive condition distinct from lifelong flat feet that represents a mechanical failure requiring active management.

Conservative Treatment: What It Can Achieve

For symptomatic flexible flat feet, conservative treatment — custom orthotics with medial arch support and heel posting, posterior tibial strengthening exercises, and appropriate supportive footwear — eliminates or significantly reduces pain in the majority of patients. Conservative treatment does not change the structural anatomy of the foot, but it manages symptoms effectively and may slow or prevent progression of deformity. For PTTD in Stage 1-2, appropriate conservative treatment can halt progression entirely.

Surgical Correction: When and What

Surgical correction of flatfoot reconstructs the structural alignment through a combination of procedures tailored to the specific deformity pattern: calcaneal osteotomy (cutting and repositioning the heel bone to correct valgus alignment), medializing calcaneal osteotomy plus lateral column lengthening for severe deformity, spring ligament repair, posterior tibial tendon augmentation with flexor digitorum longus transfer, and gastrocnemius recession for Achilles tightness contributing to deformity. Stage 3-4 PTTD with rigid deformity requires hindfoot fusion. Outcomes for carefully selected flatfoot reconstruction patients are excellent — most return to full activity with significantly improved foot mechanics.

Realistic Expectations

Surgery will not create a perfect arch where none existed — it corrects alignment and restores function within anatomical limits. Recovery from flatfoot reconstruction is 3-6 months. The goal is a pain-free, stable, functional foot — and this goal is achievable for the vast majority of appropriately selected patients. Schedule a consultation at Balance Foot & Ankle to discuss your specific situation and realistic treatment options.

Foot or Ankle Pain? We Can Help.

Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI

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Can Flat Feet Be Fixed? Get an Honest Assessment

Adult flatfoot correction is possible with the right approach. Dr. Tom Biernacki evaluates the stage and severity of your flat feet to determine whether orthotics, physical therapy, bracing, or surgical reconstruction will give you the best results.

Learn About Flat Foot Treatment | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402

Clinical References

1. Deland JT. Adult-acquired flatfoot deformity. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2008;16(7):399-407.
2. Myerson MS, et al. Classification and nomenclature: progressive collapsing foot deformity. Foot and Ankle International. 2020;41(10):1271-1276.
3. Bluman EM, et al. Posterior tibial tendon rupture: a refined classification system. Foot and Ankle Clinics. 2007;12(2):233-249.

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-Certified · FACFAS

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Board-Certified Podiatrist

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Podiatrist

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.