Surgery
Several nonsurgical treatments can be effective in treating plantar fasciitis. These include stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and shoe inserts. However, surgery may be necessary when these treatments fail to provide relief.
Two types of surgery may be recommended for plantar fasciitis – cutting the plantar fascia or plantar fasciotomy and removing a heel spur or calcaneal spur resection. In plantar fasciotomy, the surgeon will make one or two small incisions in the plantar fascia and then release or detach the fascia from the heel bone. This helps to relieve tension in the tissue and reduce inflammation.
On the other hand, calcaneal spur resection is a surgical procedure that involves removing the heel spur itself. The surgeon will make a small incision in the back of the heel and then remove the spur with either a surgical knife or a surgical laser.
Not everyone with plantar fasciitis is a candidate for surgery. However, an individual may be a candidate if they have tried nonsurgical treatment methods without success and are still experiencing heel pain after more than 12 months. Ideal candidates are those suffering from severe pain or if their job or daily activities are limited due to plantar fasciitis.
