How many days after flatfoot surgery is discharge typically expected?

For flatfoot surgery, the first step is to visit a hospital for an assessment of disease severity. If surgery is deemed necessary, preoperative anesthesia will be administered, followed by surgical incision, correction, and re-fixation of the affected structures. Below, we address the common question: “How many days after flatfoot surgery can a patient typically be discharged?”

How many days after flatfoot surgery can a patient typically be discharged?

Patients undergoing flatfoot surgery are generally discharged between 7 and 14 days postoperatively. The exact timing depends on individual recovery progress and postoperative care.

Flatfoot surgery involves making a localized incision, which requires suturing. Sutures are typically removed approximately 7 days after surgery. If wound healing is favorable—without signs of redness, swelling, or pain—and the patient adheres well to postoperative care instructions, discharge may occur at this time. However, if redness, swelling, pain, or signs of infection develop after suture removal, discharge will be delayed, often until around day 14.

Flatfoot is a foot deformity characterized primarily by collapse of the medial longitudinal arch. In most cases, symptoms are mild or absent; only a minority of patients experience pain in the foot or ankle region. Mild cases are commonly managed conservatively—for example, with orthotic devices—while surgery is reserved for severe, symptomatic cases.

After surgery, patients should balance rest and activity and avoid wearing ill-fitting footwear.

The above outlines typical hospital discharge timelines following flatfoot surgery. We hope this information is helpful to you.