Are you tired of the persistent discomfort and limitations caused by misaligned feet? The FDA-cleared EOTTS procedure can correct overpronation to alleviate your foot pain, improve your mobility, and enhance your overall well-being. Here, Lee's Summit EOTTS podiatrist Dr. Joel Foster explains what this revolutionary procedure involves and what you can expect during your recovery.
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Understanding How EOTTS Helps Treat Flat Feet and Other Causes of Foot Pain
The EOTTS procedure obtained FDA approval in 2004. This minimally invasive procedure involves placing a medical-grade titanium stent in the sinus tarsi—a small space between two foot bones. This stent stabilizes the joint, correcting talotarsal displacement, which is a misalignment in the bones of the back half of the foot that can cause a gait abnormality called hyperpronation. This abnormality can lead to flat foot (fallen arches), plantar fasciitis condition, tendinitis, and heel pain well as chronic knee, back, and hip pain.
EOTTS is a permanent solution for misaligned feet that is safe for people of all ages. In fact, Dr. Foster often recommends this procedure for children with misaligned feet. Contrary to popular belief, kids don't outgrow flat feet and abnormalities with a child's gait should be addressed before they start to cause pain. Since the “chamber” of the sinus tarsi (that is, the naturally occurring space into which the stent is inserted) reaches adult size and strength by age three, there's no need to wait to treat hyperpronation.
When your feet are misaligned, it’s not just about discomfort—it’s about reclaiming your mobility and well-being.
Preparing for EOTTS Surgery
If you're ready to treat the underlying cause of your foot pain and get back to doing what you love, Dr. Foster is here to help. Let's look at what you can expect when you visit our Lee's Summit podiatry office.
Consultation and Evaluation
During your initial appointment, Dr. Foster will determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. You will discuss your foot pain and any other symptoms you are experiencing before undergoing a complete examination that includes diagnostic imaging.
The EOTTS procedure is ideal for patients who are concerned about reducing their expenses and minimizing their downtime. It is performed in the office under local anesthetic only. This provides a huge cost savings, since there are no hospital charges or anesthesia charges. There’s also no cumbersome hospital paperwork, you don’t need to arrive two hours before the procedure, and you don’t need to stay afterward for monitoring.
Scheduling the Procedure
Once you and Dr. Foster decide to proceed with EOTTS, you will schedule a date for the surgery. Make sure to ask any questions you have about the procedure during this time, or review our FAQs about EOTTS to ensure you're fully prepared for what lies ahead.
Pre-Operative Instructions
Before your surgery, you will receive specific instructions from Dr. Foster. These may include dietary guidelines, medication adjustments, and information on what to bring with you on the day of the procedure. If you are a smoker, Dr. Foster will recommend that you try to quit smoking at least four weeks before the surgery to maximize your body’s ability to heal.
Because the EOTTS procedure is performed using a local anesthetic, you do not need to stop eating before the procedure.
The Day of Your EOTTS Procedure
On the day of your procedure, you'll need someone to drive you to and from the office. Let’s look at what to expect during and immediately after the procedure.
Anesthesia
After you are taken to the in-office operating suite, you will be given local anesthesia to numb the area. This requires only one small injection at the surgical site. After this, the procedure will be pain-free.
Surgery
Dr. Foster will make a small incision near your ankle and insert the EOTTS stent into the sinus tarsi. The stent will stabilize the joint and correct any misalignment. The surgery itself takes about 20 minutes.
Post-Procedure Recovery
The EOTTS procedure has been shown to offer better long-term results with a faster recovery time than traditional hindfoot reconstruction surgery. However, your post-operative care and recovery are critical to the success of the EOTTS procedure. Here's what to expect in the days, weeks, and months following your surgery.
Pain and Swelling
Some pain and swelling are normal after surgery, but these symptoms are usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medications. Patients are often advised to elevate their feet to reduce swelling.
Dressings and Bandages
You'll have dressings and bandages on the surgical site. You'll need to wear these for about six days. Keep them clean and dry.
Returning to Regular Activities
Patients are able to walk in a walking boot immediately after the EOTTS procedure, but it's best to plan to rest for a day or two before gradually increasing your walking time. In most cases, complete recovery from EOTTS surgery takes about six to eight weeks. However, most people are walking in stable tennis shoes within one week or less. You should plan to wear stable and supportive tennis shoes during the entire recovery period.
Scar Tissue
The incision site from the EOTTS procedure is less than one inch long. This part of the skin typically heals very well, so most patients do not have a visible scar.
Orthotics
Because the EOTTS procedure offers permanent correction of misaligned feet, oftentimes, you will no longer need orthotics that were recommended to treat hyperpronation. If your orthotics were recommended to address other foot issues, they may still be required.
Follow-Up Appointments
As with any surgical procedure, regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor your progress. Dr. Foster will assess how well your foot is healing and address any concerns you might have.
