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Plantar Fasciitis Surgery Options

Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation of the band of tissue that stretches from your heel to the toes along the bottom of your foot. It can result from an injury or repetitive trauma that causes it to tear near your heel. Conservative treatments such as icing the area, stretching exercises, night splints, anti-inflammatory medications and orthotics usually provide some pain relief, but in some cases surgery may be necessary.

  1. Surgical Techniques

    • In most cases the surgery may be done endoscopically on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia or mild sedation.

    Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy

    • Small incisions are made on the side of your heel to allow instruments to reach the plantar fascia. Your surgeon may cut the fascia or remove the inflamed tissue. This procedure will relieve the pain.

    Open Heel Spur Fasciotomy Surgery

    • The purpose of this surgery is to remove your bone spurs and repair the plantar fascia. The tissue is separated from your heel and the excess calcium (bone spur) is cut away from the area.

    Neurolysis

    • This a procedure where the nerve sheath is cut and scar tissue is removed to relieve pain and pressure.

    Post-operative Care

    • Recovery from the endoscopic surgery is one to two months. Your surgeon may use a removable cast or a post-operative shoe to keep your foot immobile. Crutches may also be used to help you get around. Follow-up physical therapy is recommended in some cases to assist with the healing process.

    Success Rate of Surgery

    • According to The American Academy of Family Physicians the overall success rate of plantar fasciotomy surgery is between 70 and 90 percent. This includes both endoscopic and open heel spur fasciotomy for all patients with plantar fasciitis.

    Risks

    • As with any surgery there are risks such as those associated with anesthesia. Flattening of the arch may occur with endoscopic plantar fasciotomy. In addition, complications of a rupture of the plantar fascia may occur with endoscopic as well as open heel spur fasciotomy.

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