Plantar fasciitis is common, and more than two million adults receive treatment for it every year in the United States. It happens when you put too much stress on your foot, causing a tissue called plantar fascia to become overused. Some of the condition’s most common symptoms include chronic or sudden heel pain and stiffness.
You can usually treat this condition with rest and over-the-counter medication, but surgery may be necessary for severe cases. Let’s talk about a few things you can expect about your recovery following plantar fasciitis surgery and where you can go for this surgery in Warwick & Middletown, RI, and Dartmouth, MA.
The General Recovery Timeline After Plantar Fasciitis Surgery
Recovery after plantar fasciitis surgery differs per patient, but the general timeline to expect goes like this:
- First 24 hours – you must rest completely
- After the first 24 hours – you can begin limited weight-bearing activities if you had an endoscopic procedure
- After 2 weeks – you may need an athletic boot after having your sutures removed
- After 3 to 6 weeks – you may experience recovery
- After 3 months – if you recover well, you may be able to run or jump by this time
What Is Plantar Fasciitis Surgery?
Plantar fasciitis surgery is done to release pressure from the affected tissue in the foot. Your doctor may recommend it if:
- Your symptoms have lasted for six months or more
- You no longer respond to conservative treatments
Before you get recommended for surgery, your doctor will perform a physical examination to determine the severity of your injury.
Plantar fascial release or a plantar fasciotomy is a common type of surgery performed for this condition. During this procedure, your surgeon will make tiny incisions in the tissue through either open surgery or an endoscopic procedure.
- Open surgery – involves large incisions to allow your surgeon to see the area well
- Endoscopic surgery – uses smaller incisions and causes less trauma to the affected tissue
Your provider may also remove trapped nerves or bone spurs during surgery. Depending on the procedure, you will either undergo minimal or general anesthesia.
Surgery provides permanent relief from symptoms for most patients with severe plantar fasciitis.
Recovery Tips Following Plantar Fasciitis Surgery
Surgery for plantar fasciitis is typically an outpatient procedure. Having a friend or loved one drive you home after the procedure is generally recommended.
Follow Your Surgeon’s Post-Op Instructions
Specific post-operation instructions will be handed to you by your medical team. You must follow these recommendations to have a speedy recovery.
Call your healthcare provider if you notice fever, warmth, or swelling in the operative site.
Attend Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up visits are done after surgery to ensure your recovery is on schedule. Stay in contact with your healthcare provider if you have more questions about your recovery.
Adjust Your Routine to Accommodate Your Recovery
You will need to adjust your routine while in recovery. You should take time off school or work to put all your energy into healing.
Also, make sure to elevate your foot to protect it from swelling.
Make Good Lifestyle Choices
Your lifestyle choices will play an essential role in your recovery. You can promote healing by starting with the following:
- Eat a balanced diet
- Take pain medication only as prescribed
- Do not take other medications without your doctor’s recommendation
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol drinking
Attend Physical Therapy
Sometime after your surgery, you can benefit from a physical therapy program to help regain your strength and flexibility.
Your therapist will create a plan to aid you in preparing your body to return to physical activity. They will consider your specific needs and ensure you recover safely and effectively.
In the meantime, avoid high-intensity activities such as running and jumping for at least three months post-surgery.
Plantar Fasciitis Surgery in Warwick & Middletown, RI, and Dartmouth, MA
Do you need plantar fasciitis surgery? The doctors at the Foot & Ankle Institute of New England provide comprehensive, high-quality services. From minimally invasive procedures to the latest surgical treatments, we can help you. We also treat injuries, deformities, and diseases of the lower leg, ankles, and feet. Using state-of-the-art technology, we serve patients of all ages and help them live healthy and active lives.
You may reach our Warwick office at (401) 738-7750 and our Middletown office at (401) 217-4444. You can also call our Dartmouth clinic at (508) 679-3700. To schedule a consultation, you may use this secure online appointment form. We’re ready to help you get back on your feet!
