Plantar Fasciitis Got You Stumped? Exploring Surgery as a Last Resort

When it comes to heel pain, surgery shouldn’t be your first step. However, in some rare cases, it’s the best solution available to restore quality of life when other options have consistently failed.
Clifton Foot & Ankle Center will always honor its commitment to quality care by informing patients of every treatment option available to them. This blog will explain when to seek surgery for treatment-resistant heel pain, which conditions might necessitate it, and what to expect when you’ve got a surgical procedure on the calendar already. Let’s get to it.
When Does Surgery Become Necessary?
When conservative treatments haven’t delivered pain relief. If months of rest, ice, stretching, and even shoe adjustments haven’t quieted the ache, then consulting your podiatrist about surgery is the next logical step. Don’t wait around for the problem to go away on its own. It won’t.
Which Kinds of Surgery Can Relieve Heel Pain?
- Plantar Fasciitis Release: This minimally invasive procedure involves a small incision to release tension in the plantar fascia, the ligament supporting your arch.
- Bone Spur Removal: Bone spurs, bony growths near the heel, can irritate surrounding tissues. Surgery to remove them could get you back to pain-free steps.
- Bursa Removal: Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints. Inflammation in a bursa near your heel, called bursitis, can be addressed by removing the inflamed bursa, allowing the joint to glide smoothly again.
Remember, surgery is not a choice to be made lightly. There are a few things to take care of first:
- Your podiatrist must assess your unique case, considering factors like pain intensity, duration, and response to non-surgical treatments.
- While minimally invasive procedures often boast quicker recovery times, expect weeks of rest, physical therapy, and possibly walking boots.
- Surgery, like any treatment, has its limitations. Be realistic about expectations and discuss potential risks and complications with your podiatrist.
Still, wondering if your chronic heel pain requires surgical intervention? Call Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Centreville, Virginia, at (703) 996-3000 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm. You may also make an appointment online. We look forward to seeing you!