Foot, ankle problems can lead to health issues

Many musculoskeletal problems are caused or made worse by misaligned feet, said Dr. Bryan M. Sheehan, D.P.M., of the Ankle & Foot Centers of Mid-America in Bentonville. This misalignment is the result of a common condition called talotarsal displacement.

The Problem

Talotarsal displacement occurs when the ankle bone slides off the heel bone. When this happens, the ankle rolls inward and causes the front of the foot to turn outward.

When talotarsal displacement is left untreated, it forces the body to compensate by putting excessive strain on the heels, ankles, knees, hips and back. This causes a variety of additional symptoms, which eventually lead to more serious, secondary health conditions.

The Solution

HyProCure is a titanium stent that is placed into a naturally occurring space between the ankle and heel bones through a small incision below the outer ankle bone. Once the stent is placed, it realigns the foot and restores the natural joint motion.

Common Questions

What causes talotarsal displacement?

It is most commonly caused by hereditary or genetic factors.

Is this procedure safe for a growing child?

Yes. The bones around the naturally occurring space in the ankle will continue to grow around the stent.

Will it have to be replaced later on in life as my child develops?

The short answer is no. The bones will continue to grow peripherally around HyProCure.

Are there any limitations, as far as sports go, after this procedure?

Once the tissues surrounding the stent are healed, patients should be able to participate in regular physical activities of their choice without limitation. For most patients, there is a significant improvement in walking, running, jumping or any activity that involves propulsion from the foot.

What is the recovery time?

Typically, patients are walking normally within a few weeks. The bones, tendons and ligaments throughout the foot and the rest of the body will adapt to the corrected positions over the following several months.

Sheehan's office is located at 1000 S.E. Walton Blvd., Suite No. 16, Bentonville.

General News on 09/17/2014