Question: I am a 28 year old male, who is slowly becoming more crippled with problems caused by flat feet. My ankles are slowly turning in and collapsing - which has been an issue in the family's medical history. Last year I had a bostrom gauld op on my left ankle. Following this i noiticed some improvement, however I still get extreme pain in the area that operated on. Subsequently to all this i have issues with my knees and also my hips and spine. Please can some advise what the best route is to sort out the feet and ankle problems. I also currently wear arch supports. Is it best to get my flat feet and ankles sorted out now, wilst my body could cope with such a traumatic surgery? Having seen members of our family walk in pain with extreme pronation of the ankles, i am slow to follow the same route. When i am waking it agrivates the foot and ankle problem and I also get severe shin pains, which ultimatly land up with me walking with a very pronouced limp for the next 24 - 48 hours. I would welcome any advise on what I should do, I am covered by private medical insurance, so any operation would be done privately. I have an open mind as to the treatments available, and if necessary I would consider amutation of the foot.

I would rather have a pain free gaite than be crippled with pain and medication.