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If you are living with plantar fasciitis, you may be considering surgery as a treatment option. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes heel pain and can make walking and standing difficult. Surgery is usually only recommended if other treatments, such as stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and steroid injections, have failed to relieve the pain.
What Is A Plantar Fasciitis Surgery?
The plantar fascia, the muscle that runs down the bottom of your foot, is released during plantar fasciitis surgery. This surgery is often performed as an outpatient operation, meaning you can go home the very same day. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthetic, with sedation if necessary. Plantar fasciitis surgery normally takes four to six weeks to recover from.
The majority of patients who already have plantar fasciitis operation report alleviation from their heel discomfort. However, problems such as infection, nerve damage, and recurring heel pain are possible following surgery. Before making a choice, examine the risks and advantages of surgery with your doctor.
How Painful Is Plantar Fasciitis Surgery?
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Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes heel discomfort and makes walking difficult. The plantar fascia is a ligament that runs from your heel bone to the toes and maintains your foot’s arch. When this ligament is strained, that becomes irritated and swollen, resulting in plantar fasciitis.
On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most painful, plantar fasciitis surgery typically falls between a 3 and a 5. The pain is usually worst immediately after surgery but will gradually improve as you heal. Most people report significant pain relief within a few weeks of surgery.
The pain of the surgery can be compared to any other surgery. There is the pain of the incision being made, which is usually minimal since the incisions are small. There is also post-operative pain and discomfort that can last for a few weeks. This pain can be managed with medication. Overall, most people say that the pain is tolerable and worth it for the results. If you are considering plantar fasciitis surgery, talk to your doctor about what to expect in terms of pain and recovery time.
Types Of Plantar Fasciitis Surgery
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There are two types of plantar fasciitis surgery: open and endoscopic.
Open Plantar Fasciitis Surgery
This type of surgery involves making an incision in the heel bone to access the plantar fascia. The surgeon will then release or remove the damaged tissue and make any necessary repairs. The incision is then closed with stitches. Open surgery has a longer recovery time than endoscopic surgery and there is a risk of complications, such as infection.
Endoscopic Plantar Fasciitis Surgery
This type of surgery is less invasive than open surgery and involves making small incisions in the heel bone. The surgeon will insert an endoscope, a small camera, into the incision to view the plantar fascia. The surgeon will then release or remove the damaged tissue and make any necessary repairs. Endoscopic surgery has a shorter recovery time than open surgery but there is a risk of complications, such as recurrent heel pain.
What Is The Recovery Time For Plantar Fasciitis Surgery?
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The short answer is that it depends on the individual. In most cases, though, you can expect to be off your feet for around six weeks. This means no walking, running, or other high-impact activities during this time. Recovery times will vary depending on the type of surgery you have.
During the first few weeks after surgery, you will likely be in a lot of pain and will need to take pain medication. You will also need to keep your foot elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling. Once the pain and swelling start to go down, you will be able to start putting weight on your foot again and will begin physical therapy.
Physical therapy is a very important part of the recovery process. It will help to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tissues in your foot so that you can regain full use of it. The therapist will also teach you exercises to do at home to help speed up the healing process.
Final Thoughts
Plantar fasciitis surgery should only be considered as a last resort when all other conservative treatments have failed. The good news is that the success rate for this type of surgery is quite high, with most patients experiencing significant relief from their heel pain. Of course, as with any type of surgery, there are always risks involved. The most common complications associated with plantar fasciitis surgery include infection, nerve damage, and continued pain.
If you are considering surgery for your plantar fasciitis, be sure to discuss all of the risks and potential benefits with your doctor beforehand. Only you can decide if the risks are worth taking to find relief from your heel pain. We hope this complete guide has helped you learn more about plantar fasciitis surgery and whether or not it is the right treatment option for you.
