For some patients, flat feet aren’t just a physical condition—they are a lifelong challenge, one that affects every step they take and every part of their daily life. One such patient recently shared her story with us, and it beautifully illustrates the transformative power of corrective foot surgery—specifically, EOTTS (Extra-Osseous TaloTarsal Stabilization).
A Life Shaped by Foot Instability
From Bonnie’s earliest memories, walking was difficult. In kindergarten, she couldn’t balance on a beam. Running often led to stumbles and falls. Throughout childhood, orthopedic shoes were the norm—until sixth grade, when even the podiatrist said they wouldn’t help anymore. This wasn’t just a matter of discomfort. This was a condition that robbed her of stability and confidence.
“The condition of my feet has affected my balance throughout my life. For as long as I can remember, I’ve watched the ground closely as I walked, trying to see where I was about to step so I wouldn’t stumble or fall. I simply couldn’t trust my feet to keep me stable—I had no confidence in them. I had to walk by sight, not by sight.
Along with instability, I sometimes felt discomfort in my feet, which made it difficult to bear weight or walk due to tenderness on the soles of my feet. Eventually, I realized that tenderness came from me subconsciously trying to stabilize myself. I was gripping the ground with my feet to avoid falling. I used to joke that I needed a foot transplant.
Eventually, I started wearing Richie braces, which helped stabilize me and even prevented a few falls. But over time, they stopped providing enough support, and the discomfort returned—spreading to my ankles. I was getting desperate for relief. I just wanted to continue being the hands and feet of Jesus.”
“After hiking the Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala and, just three days later, cutting tornado-damaged trees on steep terrain in Rogers, Arkansas, my feet were pushed to their limit. One morning, out of desperation, I turned to Google—and that’s when I discovered a corrective surgery I had never heard of before: EOTTS (Extra-Osseous TaloTarsal Stabilization). It’s a minimally invasive procedure.
Late in 2024, I searched and found Dr. Foster, a board-certified minimally invasive foot and ankle surgeon who performs this procedure. After seeing Dr Foster, I decided to have the surgery on both feet. Oh, what a difference that simple procedure has made in my life!
At first, my body still tried to move in its old, familiar patterns. I experienced some pinching in one foot and reduced range of motion in the ankle. I needed physical therapy to retrain my body and strengthen the right muscles. The exercises helped—and I continue doing them to keep my feet functioning properly.
It’s like I finally got that “foot transplant” I used to joke about. Technically, they’re still my feet—but they’re completely different now. They have a new shape, a new function. I’m no longer stumbling or falling. I no longer need to constantly look at the ground. I can keep my head up and walk with confidence. For the first time in my life, I feel sure-footed. I no longer walk by sight—but by faith.”
Bonnie Shares Her Personal Faith Journey
“Isn’t this similar to our spiritual journey—our walk with Christ?
Our earthly, physical heart is flawed. Its imperfect condition affects our spiritual walk. We stumble through life in our sin, trying to stabilize ourselves through our own efforts—seeking external solutions, hoping something will fix us. These efforts might bring temporary relief, but they never address the true problem. Eventually, we reach a point of desperation. That’s when we realize: we need more than our own efforts—we need a new heart.
And that’s when we turn to Jesus, the Divine Surgeon.
He gives us a new heart—one with a different purpose. It no longer beats for ourselves, but for Him. Yet even with our new heart, old habits remain. If we fall back into them, discomfort returns. We must learn a new way to walk—a Christ-like walk. That new way comes through Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. But just being taught isn’t enough—we must practice it. Only through regular spiritual discipline can we strengthen our walk and become sure-footed...to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7); leaning fully and confidently on Christ."
30 As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
31 For who is God, except the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?
32 It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of deer,
And sets me on my high places.
— Psalm 18:30–33
EOTTS is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to correct the root cause of flat feet by stabilizing the misalignment between the ankle and heel. A small titanium stent is placed in a natural space between these bones, helping to realign the foot and restore proper arch function.
If you or someone you love has struggled with chronic flatfoot pain, balance issues, or overpronation, there is hope. Minimally invasive procedures like EOTTS can change your trajectory—giving you the support, alignment, and confidence to move forward. You don’t have to walk in pain, and you don’t have to keep your eyes on the ground.