Plantar Fasciitis Surgery

Plantar fascia is a thick band of tissues which connects the bone of the heel to the toes. The main function of this group of tissues or ligament is to support the arch of the foot. Inflammation or injury to these tissues results in plantar fasciitis. It is a common foot disorder among the athletes, particularly runners. Similarly, elderly people, pregnant women or women who wear high heels without proper support, are at risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

Uneven distribution of body weight on the foot, is the main cause of plantar fasciitis. People who walk with their steps falling inwards are most prone to plantar fasciitis. Activities such as jumping, walking, running and jogging, put a lot of tension on plantar fascia. Hence, over the time these tissues tend to wear out, resulting in plantar fasciitis. However, in most cases conservative treatments such as orthotics, medications and other simpler treatments are sufficient for curing plantar fasciitis. Surgery is only advised when these treatments fail. Out of the total cases of plantar fasciitis, only 5 % of the patients are asked to undergo plantar faciitis surgery.

Plantar Fasciitis Surgery
Plantar fasciitis surgery is considered as an option, if the pain persists even after 9 to 12 months of conservative treatment. For athletes, surgery is the only option, if the heel pain impairs their performance drastically. All the patients who opt for plantar fasciitis surgery are made aware of the risks involved in the surgery. The surgery is given a green signal only when the patient acquiesces on all the terms and conditions.

The mode of plantar fasciitis surgery is mostly open. An incision is made through the heel pad and the part of the ligament is cut to relieve the tension. Any damaged tissues or heel spurs are also removed during the surgery. Endoscopic mode of the surgery involves locating the damaged area of the ligament by the means of various endoscopic instruments, that are inserted inside the body.

Risks Involved in the Surgery
Similar to any other surgery, plantar fasciitis surgery also involves several risks. Infections resulting out of the surgery is one common problem. Besides, the arch of the foot can reduce, if the part of the ligament is cut more than required. Lastly, the surgery may or may not reverse the effects of plantar fasciitis. There is always a chance that a patient comes out of surgery with all the symptoms of plantar fasciitis still in place.

Plantar Fasciitis Surgery Recovery
Adequate rest is often suggested after the surgery, so as to enable the tissue to heal. A cast or brace is used to support the plantar fascia tissue. It takes about 3 months for the tissue to heal completely and resume its normal function of weight bearing. A patient takes about a year to recover completely and resume strenuous activities.

Plantar fasciitis surgery, is a surgery involving quite a few complications. Moreover, its results cannot be assured. Hence, you'll have to think several times before you proceed for this surgery. The best way to protect your foot and the tissues supporting it is, to maintain a proper posture, wearing proper shoes and ensure your body weight is distributed evenly on your feet.