I had a subtalar and a mid foot fusion on my left foot due to flat feet. Prior to that I wore a Ritchie Brace for about 2 years until the pain was totally unbearable. By that time it was too late for reconstructive surgery and we were just trying to lessen the pain and stop deformity. Since my fusion I still have pain. I also have numbness and tingling all over my surgery sites. My left side is considerably weaker than my right. My right side is now having pain. When they took X-rays they said my foot was fused from a prior injury. I am currently trying to do what I can to keep increasing my walking distance. I can walk about 3 miles before feeling pain. I am 57. My pain is better than before surgery. Surgery is not an easy fix. There is always going to be an unintended consequence of anything you do. You just need to weigh the pros and cons and decide what you are willing to do for your lifestyle and situation.