Plantar Fasciitis Surgery

Plantar Fasciitis surgery is used in severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatments. These are normally day surgeries that may require a local anesthesia.

Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy involves small incisions that are made on the side of your foot. A plastic tube is then inserted into the incisions, along with small camera and scalpel. Your surgeon will cut or remove part of the inflamed or damaged plantar fascia tissue from your heel to relieve pressure and reduce pain. The hope is that your body will grow new fascia in the gap created by the incision.

Open heel-spur fasciotomy surgery involves removing your calcium and/or bone spurs from the heel area. This procedure has mixed results, as it is addressing a symptom of inflammation, not the problem itself. If the plantar fascia is not repaired at the same time, your heel spur will most likely reappear.

Neurolysis involves cutting the nerve sheath of the abductor digiti minimi muscle and breaking up adhesions (scar tissue) to free the nerve and relieve the pressure and pain from inflammation. Radio frequency, heat, or chemical injection, have also been used.

Most of the surgeries for plantar fasciitis require a recovery time of approximately 1.5 months. Sometimes a removable cast will be used to support and immobilize the foot. Occasionally crutches or a cane will be used to minimize weight bearing. Ultrasound, physiotherapy and exercises are recommended after the cast is removed (normally 3-4 weeks).

Complications:

Partial wound dehiscence, foot pain, nerve damage, hypersensitive neuroma, infection, fallen arch