The surgery is simple, but the recovery may take up to a year after the repair. Not only that, but you will be required to wear an arch support. So try one before your foot gets too damaged. There are several different types of supports. The drug stores have various types, but the firm hard ones are almost impossible to wear comfortably.
Women can buy arch pads that stick to their dressy shoes just under the arch of their feet.
Personally, I think that if you need an arch support full time, you need custom made supports that are made from a mold of your foot. You will also need advice on how to change your shoe size to accommodate them. Prescription custom made arch and foot supports are available at the Pedorthic Center on West Appleton. They may also advise you to have special soles made for your shoes with corrective bumps or bars in them. Most doctors that I know, with the exception of orthopedists, don't know much about correcting foot problems, so don't be shy about requesting prescription foot bracing.