Tarsal Coalition...Pain in Feet

Hi there.
I kind of doubt anyone will respond to this as a Tarsal Coalition is a pretty rare condition apparently.  But I have it.
Basically I have flat feet and a lot of pain around the top and inner areas of both feet.  My Ortho has had me in boot casts and real walking casts for the past 6, almost 7 months, along with getting orthotics made for my shoes and to help my arch.
He has said that surgery isn't a good idea as I'm 32 and most surgeries for this disorder/condition are done at a pediatric level.  The thing is is that I'm just not improving.  I'm a nature photographer and my feet are my livelihood.
The pain I get from just want on beach rocks is horrendous, top that with chronic back pain from three previous spinal fusions and I'm a walking ad for chronic pain.  
I'm just wondering if anyone knows about this, has it or knows anyone that has had surgery as an adult that has been successful.  The main surgery is a full fusion of two or three of the ankle/foot bones.  The other is an excision of some bone to allow for better movement which would result in less pain.
I'm just really frustrated...I see my doc on Monday and I need to go to him with some good information so he doesn't just stick me in another cast...I need to get back to work!
HELP!!

[DrNavneetMD]

Hello Dear,

Be patient and try to learn with the disease well and will to overcome the disease.
A tarsal coalition occurs when the bones of the feet fail to separate during fetal development. This leads to a problem in the foot that can be painful. It also may cause a stiff, flat foot. The condition is not common, but it is not rare. About one in a hundred people, 1% of the population, have a tarsal coalition.
Surgery for tarsal coalition falls into two categories: 1) surgery to remove or excise the bar and attempt to restore normal motion between the two bones or 2} surgery to fuse the affected joints together solidly.
As a general rule, excision is more likely to be successful in the younger child. In the older child or adolescent, a fusion may be required.
Fusion, also called an arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that is usually done when a joint becomes worn out and painful. The purpose of a fusion is to stop the motion between two or more bones. The procedure is done by removing the cartilage that covers the joint surfaces and allowing the bone surfaces to heal together or fuse as one bone.
[Reference- http://www.eorthopod.com/public/patient_education/6639/tarsal_coalition.html]

Best.
Take care

[Jakkie15]

I know this might not help a whole lot,
but I'm 17 and i have tarsal coalitions in both of my feet as well.
When I was 15, I had my first surgery for it on my right foot.
My doctor removed the extra cartilage and my the pain went away as soon as I could start moving again.
I would have to say it was one of the best dedcisions I've ever made and I could thankfully play sports and stay active after the procedure.
Tomorrow I actually get my left foot done.
My doctor said he would only preform the surgery if that foot ever became painful, and unfortunatly it has.
It was amazing what happened to my right foot after the surgery.
I use to have so much trouble with sprained ankles and always injuring it- but I haven't had an issue since.

[nanabee11]

I have many sugerys on both feet the last one was june of2009 the doctor used stem cell but i am still having alot of trouble and when i go on my feet to long i get in so much pain i dont know what the next step maybe  i will have to be in pain for the rest of my life i really do want to and i am only 45

[olsonkids4]

my son has had excersion surgery on both feet for tarsal coalition..he actually had the left done twice..finally we had both sub joints fused...best thing we ever did.  He is not completely pain free but a whole lot better.  He played football last fall and is now playing baseball.  First surgery was when he was 9 and the last of the surgeries he was 16.  We have been through it all so ask if you have any questions

[TCgirl05]

I am 31 and have the same thing. The pain has gotten more consistent and worse because I now have degenerative arthritis in my ankle. A guy has a blog about his surgery with entries/pictures and its pretty extensive. He was 35. I would say to get a 2nd opinion because it will get worse as you get older-thats why im having mine done. I was never athletic but I would like to enjoy things as simple as walking through the mall without having to take the next day off.

[SarahLove8]

hi,
i have tarsal coalition in my left foot and it is extremely painful for me to walk. the doctor has suggested i have the surgery but is it to risky?

[busybeekeeper]

My daughter is 12 and has just had excision op and recovering. Just wondered what the post op physio was like... how intensive? Also what is the feedback for excision a couple of years down the line? Can anyone help?

[horselover88]

Im 23 I have it too and I am really getting annoyed by the pain Im thinking about getting another cast but Idk if its worth it. The pain never goes away fully and I dont want to get surgery yet  Im afraid it wont work the first time :/ its just hard because its so rare and theres really not that much you can do for it. At least thats what Ive found!!