By Mike Ralston
Denise Johnson had flat feet since she was a child, but in her early 40s, her arches and heels became increasingly painful. She attributed it to her years of working as a nurse and being on her feet for long hours.
Diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, Denise went to physical therapy and was fitted with orthotics. Years later she purchased over-the-counter orthotics that were very expensive and gave her little relief.
“Custom orthotics can provide significant relief, but they only work if you are actually wearing your shoes,” said foot and ankle specialist Joel Foster, DPM.
“You can treat the symptoms, but as long as the feet remain misaligned, the pain will keep returning. When your feet are not positioned properly, bones and joints throughout the body must adjust and compensate. If a patient wants more permanent relief, they need to correct the misalignment,” adds Dr. Foster.
“I’m retired and enjoy bike riding, camping, gardening and sharing time with our grandchildren. For the past six months I wasn't able to do any of these hobbies,” adds Johnson.
Finding Relief With Dr. Joel Foster
A quick Google search led Denise to Dr. Foster. She scheduled a surgical consultation, which included a 3D weight-bearing CT scan of her foot.
This advanced imaging device is ideal for diagnosing fractures and evaluating deformities. It can be especially useful when evaluating structural conditions such as bunions, flat feet, joint collapse, and other biomechanical abnormalities.
“Dr. Foster educated me and gave me options of several treatment plans and answered every question I had. I never felt hurried,” adds Johnson.
Unlike a standard scan performed when lying down, the 3D scanner captures your feet while standing and bearing weight. This is important because many alignment problems, joint issues and deformities are best understood when the foot is functioning under normal load.
If surgery is the best option, a weight-bearing CT scan can assist with minimally invasive surgery planning by providing Dr. Foster a more complete picture of the anatomy of the foot.
Why Choose EOTTS?
After a thorough consultation with Dr. Foster, Denise opted to have the Extra-Osseous Talotarsal Stabilization (EOTTS) surgical procedure.
EOTTS helps address plantar fasciitis by realigning and restoring balance to the foot. This is achieved by making a small incision and placing a small titanium stent into the sinus tarsi, the naturally occurring space between the two foot bones called the talus and calcaneus. Once in place, the stent will reduce the excessive motion and restore more normal function of the subtalar joint. This results in significantly less stress to all of the surrounding bones, joints, tendons and ligaments.
“EOTTS addresses the underlying problem and provides pain relief, as well as the full range of motion,” adds Dr. Foster.
With EOTTS, there are some notable benefits such as:
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Better long-term results
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Faster recovery
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Lower risk of complications
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Safe for all ages
“I have to say the procedure was painless. I had slight foot discomfort for the first week. I followed all the post-surgical care guidelines. I feel so much better now and on my way to enjoying all my hobbies again,” adds Johnson.
“I am so thankful for Dr. Foster and all the amazing staff. I tell anybody who has foot issues to give him a call.”
Is EOTTS the Right Fit For You? Schedule a Consultation Today!
If chronic foot pain, structural deformities, or mobility limitations are preventing you from living your ideal lifestyle, now is the time to explore your options by scheduling a FREE surgical consultation with Dr. Foster.
Dr. Foster is one of Kansas City's most experienced minimally invasive foot and ankle surgeons. He is the only doctor in the region who is board-certified in minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery. He has performed thousands of minimally invasive foot and ankle procedures and has been performing minimally invasive surgery for 18 years.
Along with being certified in minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery by the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry, Dr. Joel Foster is also board-certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is also a fellow in the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and a qualified associate of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons.