Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain that impacts your ability to walk and other daily activities. While non-surgical treatments can be effective for most patients, some cases require advanced intervention, like plantar fasciitis surgery. At Best Foot Dr. NY, we specialize in diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis. We offer surgical options in Brooklyn, NYC, for cases that don’t respond to other treatments. In this article, we discuss when surgery may be necessary and what to expect from the process.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis and Its Impact
With plantar fasciitis, a thick band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes called the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. It is caused by excessive strain or small tears. This condition causes persistent heel pain that is usually worse in the morning or after being inactive for long periods. If left untreated, it can cause long-term complications, including gait changes and chronic pain. Some of the most common risk factors include:
- Flat feet or high arches can strain the plantar fascia.
- Standing for extended periods, running on hard surfaces, or wearing unsupportive shoes can increase your risk of plantar fasciitis.
- Obesity, tight calf muscles, and arthritis increase your chances of developing plantar fasciitis.
Exploring Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Before considering plantar fasciitis surgery, our experienced team of podiatrists for foot pain recommends non-invasive treatments. These approaches could help relieve your heel pain and reduce inflammation. As a result, this could improve your condition without more advanced options. Common non-surgical treatments include:
- Stretching Exercises: Target the plantar fascia and calf muscles to improve your foot flexibility and reduce tension.
- Orthotics: Custom insoles help evenly distribute your weight, minimizing strain on your plantar fascia.
- Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises designed by a podiatrist for plantar fasciitis can improve your recovery.
- Injections: Corticosteroids or platelet-rich plasma injections help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Night Splints: These devices keep your foot in a stretched position throughout the night, alleviating morning pain.
If these methods fail to provide relief after six to twelve months, it may be time to explore surgical options with your podiatrist in Brooklyn.
When to Consider Plantar Fasciitis Surgery in Brooklyn, NYC
Plantar fasciitis surgery is utilized for cases where conservative treatments have not been effective. We may recommend more advanced surgery options when your pain interferes with your daily life or work. A thorough evaluation from our team at Best Foot Dr. NY helps determine if surgery is the right course of action.
Indicators That Surgery May Be Necessary:
- Persistent pain even after six months of non-surgical treatments.
- Limited mobility or the inability to perform moderate activities.
- Significant impacts on your work or recreational activities.
- Chronic heel pain that affects your overall quality of life.
Types of Plantar Fasciitis Surgery
There are two main surgical procedures we use to treat plantar fasciitis in Brooklyn. The type of procedure depends on the severity of your condition and your specific needs.
1. Plantar Fascia Release
This is the most common plantar fasciitis surgery. During this procedure, we perform a partial release of the plantar fascia to reduce tension and alleviate inflammation. It can be performed as:
- Endoscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive procedure using small incisions and a camera to guide the surgery.
- Open Surgery: A more traditional approach in which we use a larger incision for direct access.
2. Calf Muscle Release
If tight calf muscles are affecting your plantar fasciitis, we may recommend calf release surgery. This procedure reduces tension in the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, improving mobility and relieving pain.
Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery
The Plantar Fasciitis Surgery Recovery Process
Recovery from plantar fasciitis surgery varies depending on the procedure itself, but you can usually return to your normal activities within a few months.
What to Expect After Surgery:
- Week 1: Keep your foot elevated to minimize swelling. You may need a walking boot for support.
- Weeks 2–4: After the first few weeks, you can return to light activities, but you still need to avoid strenuous tasks.
- Full Recovery: Most patients regain full mobility within six to twelve weeks. Running and jumping may require additional recovery time.
Our team provides you with detailed aftercare instructions and may recommend physical therapy to improve the healing process.
Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Living With Plantar Fasciitis Surgery at Best Foot Dr. NY
Don’t let chronic heel pain keep you from enjoying your life. If you’ve been struggling with heel pain and conservative treatments haven’t worked, it may be time to consult with a podiatrist in Brooklyn. At Best Foot Dr. NY, we specialize in advanced treatments for plantar fasciitis and surgical options to help resolve your heel pain. Contact us today to find out more about plantar fasciitis surgery.