Misaligned, or flat feet, are common and affect people of all ages. When standing straight, the ankle bone should rest over the front edge of the heel bone, creating a space called the sinus tarsi. Misalignment occurs when the ankle bone loses its stability and slips out of place, collapsing the space of the sinus tarsi.
Misaligned feet, which affect 45 percent of people in the U.S., are often misdiagnosed because they cause several unrelated symptoms including knee, hip and back pain.
“When you stand on feet that are misaligned, it causes a chain reaction of misalignment throughout the body. The body is forced to compensate by putting excessive strain on the ankles, knees, hips and back,” adds Joel Foster, DPM, board-certified podiatric surgeon.
Carrie, a 42-year-old from Lee’s Summit, was diagnosed with misaligned feet by Dr. Joel Foster several years ago.
“My feet overpronated and flattened out when bearing weight. I got relief with custom orthotics in my shoes, but that solution was only as good as when I was wearing them,” adds Carrie.
Overpronation can ultimately lead to bunions, heel pain, calluses and nerve damage. As Carrie noted, custom orthotics is a temporary solution that will help stabilize the ankle bone, but it only provides relief when wearing them. At the end of the day, the sinus tarsi remains collapsed.
Carrie endured knee and lower back pain for years before she was treated using the HyProCure procedure.
HyProCure Procedure at Joel Foster, DPM in Lee's Summit
HyProCure is a treatment method that helps realign and restore balance to the foot. This is achieved by placing a small titanium stent into the sinus tarsi. A podiatric surgeon makes a small incision during the procedure to place the stent. Once in place, the stent will absorb the pressure from the weight as the patient walks or runs. Along with serving as a stabilizer, this protects the ankle from bone damage and restores the range of motion.
Carrie’s procedure was performed in less than an hour, and after only two weeks in a walking boot, she transitioned into tennis shoes with limited activity and walking.
“I was pleasantly surprised with how little pain I felt afterwards. It felt sort of tight with some swelling and a dull ache,” added Carrie.
“The recovery period was very easy to navigate, except for two weeks of no driving with the right foot.”
She underwent HyProCure surgery on her second foot five weeks later. After two months post-op, Carrie resumed playing summer softball with no issues.
“I have no limitations with my feet now. At six months post-op, I had a bit of scar tissue in my right foot, but Dr. Foster performed an injection at the site and it dissipated. I’ve had no issues or pain since then. I highly recommend this procedure,” adds Carrie.
“Dr. Foster is so gracious and kind, and handles feet with the utmost care.”
Why Choose HyProCure?
- Redistributes the pressure on your feet
- Improves your foot’s range of motion, allowing you to resume your active lifestyle
- Significantly reduces strain on the plantar fascia and joint forces on the foot
- Prevents collapse of the arch
- Better long-term results
- Faster recovery
- Lower risk of complications
- Safe for all ages
“This procedure is a terrific and permanent solution for flat feet. It significantly reduced my knee and lower back pain, too,” adds Carrie.
Contact Our Podiatrist at Our Lee's Summit Office Location
Dr. Joel Foster is the only Atlas-certified podiatrist in Missouri who offers this treatment option for eliminating pain from misaligned feet. Contact us today at 816-246-4222 to book an appointment.