Plantar fasciitis is the common cause of pain on the bottom of the heel. Nearly 2 million patients are treated for this condition every year. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the strong band of tissue that supports the foot arch becomes irritated and inflamed. The first approaches to plantar fasciitis treatments are physical therapy, foot massager, OTC pain medication, rest, and foot arch support. Foot arch support like over-the-counter (OTC) insoles and plantar fasciitis shoes.
If all conservative treatment fails plantar fasciitis surgery is the last option. In the majority of cases, plantar fasciitis pain effectively treated without plantar fasciitis surgery. Studies show that 95 of 100 people who live with plantar fasciitis reduce pain without surgery. Your physicians shouldn’t consider surgery unless you’ve tried all nonsurgical treatments for at least 12 months.
Endoscopic Plantar fasciitis surgery increases the success rate every year. However, the success rate is estimated at 70-80%. These outcomes encourage surgeons to recommend patients trying to treat their plantar fasciitis pain by surgery if conservative treatment fails. However, the majority of non-surgical treatments such as prescribed exercises, and plantar fasciitis shoes produce more powerful, lasting results.
Nearly 5% of plantar fasciitis sufferers, particularly those who have severe pain, resort to surgery to heal their pain. In some cases, plantar fasciitis surgery can be the most viable treatment option. The results of surgery are not ideal for everyone.
Learn more about Plantar Fasciitis: Symptoms, Treatment & Exercises
Plantar Fasciitis Surgery
If you have a standard range of ankle motion and continued heel pain, your surgeon may recommend a partial release procedure. Plantar Fasciitis Release surgery is traditionally used to treat plantar fasciitis pain.
The plantar fasciitis release surgery requires the surgeon to cut a section of the plantar fascia ligament. The goal of the procedure is to release tension and reduce inflammation. Although the surgery can be offered endoscopically, it is also difficult than with an open incision. In extension, endoscopy has a greater risk of nerve damage. For endoscopic methods, the surgeon creates a small incision on one side of the heel, directly below the ankle bone. Next, the surgeon will separate the plantar fascia from the heel bone, or make an incision on one side of the heel to release tension.
If you possess a large bone spur, it will be eliminated, as well. In some instances, a small wedge of damaged tissues may be eliminated. Additionally, the surgeon may release the abductor halluces to prevent nerves from bundling and trapping following surgery.
Plantar Fasciitis Surgery Recovery time will be three months. After two to three weeks of plantar fasciitis surgery, patients wear a non-weight-bearing cast, to decrease tension and allow the tissues to heal. After an endoscopic surgery, patients can begin limited weight-bearing almost immediately. Return to standard footwear immediately and return to regular activities within three to six weeks. The doctor prescribes every patient a strength and flexibility program to rehabilitate the muscles gradually. The majority of the patients are advised to refrain from running or jumping for at least three months after surgery.
If your plantar fasciitis pain due to tight calf muscles.Surgical lengthening of the calf especially gastrocnemius muscles. Tight calf muscles increased stress on the plantar fascia, this procedure is useful for patients who have difficulty flexing their feet, despite a year of calf stretches. In the gastrocnemius recession, the calf is lengthened to increase the motion of the ankle joint. This procedure can be performed with a traditional, open incision or an endoscope, an instrument that contains a small camera. Your surgeon will explain the procedure that best meets your needs.
Gastrocnemius recession for plantar fasciitis surgery complication rates are low but can include nerve damage.
After plantar fasciitis surgery, 75% of sufferers experience relief pain, and 25% do not. Because Plantar Fascia Surgery is an invasive procedure and requires a recovery period, it should always be viewed as appropriate only in extreme cases which not resolved by conservative plantar fasciitis treatment. After plantar fasciitis surgery, physical therapy especially exercises program is essential for a better outcome of the surgery.
Plantar Fasciitis Surgery Risks
In this surgical procedure, the plantar fascia is cut at the heel. Often, this does not relieve symptoms. Risks include:
- Nerve damage.
- Permanent changes in foot shape.
- Flat feet-You may require to wear arch supports for the rest of your life.
- More pain than before the surgery- may need more surgery to relieve the pain, and you may have permanent numbness in the heel.
- If you are athletic or active, think carefully about whether surgery is right for you.
