Key Takeaways:
Many adults with pes planus or flat feet are told their only choices are orthotics or extensive reconstructive surgery, but a minimally invasive option called HyProCure is another option. Dr. Ricardo Chica at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists performs this procedure to fix talotarsal dislocation, the underlying instability behind many cases of adult flat feet. A small titanium implant is placed without screws and can relieve secondary pain in the knees, hips, and back caused by years of foot misalignment.
If custom orthotics haven’t provided lasting relief from flat feet, it may seem as though your only other option has to be a major reconstructive procedure. But for some of our patients, there’s another type of treatment that directly addresses the structural instability causing the problem.
HyProCure is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a specially designed stent placed between the ankle and heel bone to improve stability while preserving normal foot motion. Let’s take a closer look at how it might be the right solution for you.
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How Can HyProCure Help Treat Flat Feet?
Talotarsal dislocation—also referred to as subtalar dislocation—happens when your ankle bone shifts out of its ideal position. This displacement interferes with your foot’s ability to support and distribute weight normally, contributing to collapse through the heel and hindfoot—a pattern known as overpronation.
Rather than simply cushioning or supporting the foot, HyProCure addresses this underlying instability. The stent’s anatomical shape allows for it to slide right into its natural corrective position and is held there by the surrounding tissues that attach during the healing process. Watch as Dr. Craig Tomajan provides more details about HyProCure.
Left uncorrected, flat foot and pronation issues place added strain on the rest of the body, such as:
- Chronic heel and arch pain, including plantar fasciitis
- Ongoing ankle instability that increases fall risk
- Knee, hip, and lower back strain from years of compensating for foot misalignment
Who’s a Good Candidate for HyProCure?
Many of our patients who’ve tried custom orthotics and braces without lasting relief, but who aren't ready for a major reconstructive procedure, are often the ones who benefit most from this treatment.
Your candidacy also depends on whether the deformity is still flexible—meaning the ankle hasn't become rigid over time. The vast majority of adults with talotarsal dislocation still have a flexible deformity, but that window narrows the longer the condition goes untreated, which is why earlier evaluation tends to produce better outcomes.
What Can You Expect With HyProCure Recovery?
It’s common to have some swelling and bruising immediately after the procedure, which we often manage with anti-inflammatory medication. Walking feels unfamiliar at first—the sensation is often described as moving along the outside edge of the foot, but this typically resolves within a couple of weeks as your foot adapts to its corrected position. It’s crucial to have new, properly fitted shoes during this stage, as you don’t want old insole and tread patterns to influence your new gait.
Most of our patients increase their activity levels gradually over 4–6 weeks. Although full adaptation of the surrounding ligaments and tendons can take several months, you’ll likely walk normally well before then.
Are You Ready For Better Flat Foot Treatment?
Learning whether a minimally invasive approach may be appropriate for you provides a better understanding of the source of your condition, allows you to compare treatment options with greater confidence, and make informed decisions based on your anatomy, activity level, and long-term goals.
Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists are committed to providing you with access to advanced treatment options, such as HyProCure, that go beyond standard approaches to flat foot care. If you’re exploring next steps, a second opinion may open the door to new treatment possibilities and reveal opportunities to improve alignment, mobility, and overall comfort.
