Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy Recovery

An endoscopic plantar fasciotomy is a surgical procedure that doctors may use to treat a medical condition called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a swelling of the connective tissues on the bottom of a person’s foot.

Plantar Fasciitis

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, plantar fasciitis causes pain in the plantar fascia tissue at the bottom of a patient’s heel. Heel pain can increase after lots of walking, is usually worse in the morning and may improve as the day progresses.

Plantar Fasciotomy

Doctors use an endoscope to cut away a small part of the plantar fascia tissue and relieve pressure and tension according to the Riverside Health System. Tissue usually grows back into the gap that was left from the incision and results in reduced tension and relief from pain.

Recovery

Patients undergo a plantar fasciotomy as an outpatient procedure and may begin walking without pain right away after surgery. People may resume normal activities three weeks after surgery.

Shoes

Individuals may begin wearing their normal shoes three to five days after plantar fasciotomy surgery. Most patients should wear arch supports inside their shoes following surgery.

Other Treatments

Doctors may successfully treat plantar fasciitis patients with orthotic shoe inserts, anti-inflammatory medications or exercises. Patients may wear a special leg cast or boot for several weeks to relieve pain and inflammation.

References

• U.S. National Library of Medicine: Plantar Fasciitis
• Riverside Health System: Plantar Fasciotomy