Surgical Repair of Plantar Fasciitis
Without adequate treatment, plantar fasciitis can sometimes become chronic. The consistent pain and discomfort while walking or when getting up in the morning can be enough to trigger an evaluation for surgical repair. However, surgery is usually the last resort for treatment.
In the past surgical repair may have included the removal of heel spurs because doctors believed that these spurs are what triggered the plantar fasciitis. Now, with better imaging studies and long term research studies, doctors know that plantar fasciitis is what triggers the formation of heel spurs.
The most common surgical repair is a plantar fascia release which involves some cutting of the ligament and release of tension. This then reduces the inflammation that causes the pain from plantar fasciitis.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the plantar fascia release is considered only after about 12 months of aggressive nonsurgical treatment. The release is used on individuals who have normal range of motion at the ankle without Achilles tendon shortening. If you have a bone spur it will be removed at the same time.
In research that was published in the Oschner Journal, success rates for endoscopic repair were between 83% and 90% with a reduction in post-surgical complications and an earlier return to regular activities. (1) The endoscopic repair is done instead of a more traditional open approach in which a larger incision is made across the foot.
Potential risks of the surgical procedure can include flattening of the arch, loss of feeling over the arch and a potential rupture of the plantar fascia. Other risks of surgery include risk of anesthesia, bleeding, nerve damage and infection. The best way to avoid some of these complications is through accurate diagnosis, good surgical technique and implementing good postoperative rehabilitation.
As a patient seeking surgical repair, it is your responsibility to seek out a good surgeon by getting referrals, having consultations with a couple of physicians to choose the best one for you and evaluating their past medical procedures.
Click here to learn more about proven techniques to cure Plantar Fasciitis without surgery, the best guide on the matter is Fast Plantar Fasciitis Cure. This book provides reader with a step-by-step plan of action to overcome the pain and repair the damaged foot tissue. By following this plan, you can quickly reclaim your foot health and your quality of life.
