Heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints, and plantar fasciitis is often the culprit. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes, becomes inflamed. For most people, conservative treatments like rest, stretching, orthotics, or physical therapy provide relief. But what if your heel pain doesn’t go away? At what point does surgery for plantar fasciitis become the right option? Schedule a consultation with Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay for comprehensive foot and ankle treatment near you.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis causes sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after sitting for long periods. The pain is due to tiny tears and inflammation in the fascia. While it’s common among athletes and people who spend long hours on their feet, anyone can develop it. Risk factors include obesity, flat feet, tight calf muscles, and wearing unsupportive shoes.
First-Line Treatments for Heel Pain
Before considering surgery, doctors typically recommend non-surgical treatments that can significantly reduce pain and inflammation. These include:
- Rest and activity modification – avoiding high-impact activities.
- Stretching and physical therapy – focusing on the calves and plantar fascia.
- Orthotics and supportive footwear – custom or over-the-counter inserts to improve alignment.
- Medications – anti-inflammatory drugs to ease discomfort.
- Injections – corticosteroid or orthobiologic injections may reduce inflammation.
- Night splints – keeping the foot flexed overnight to stretch the fascia.
In most cases, these treatments lead to improvement within 6–12 months.
When to Consider Surgery for Plantar Fasciitis
Surgery is rarely the first choice. Doctors typically recommend it only if heel pain persists after 6–12 months of consistent, conservative care. Signs you might be a candidate for surgery include:
- Chronic, severe heel pain that interferes with daily activities.
- Limited mobility despite therapy and lifestyle changes.
- No improvement with advanced treatments such as shockwave therapy or orthobiologic injections.
Surgical Options for Plantar Fasciitis
If surgery becomes necessary, the goal is to relieve tension on the plantar fascia and reduce pain. The most common procedures include:
- Plantar fascia release – cutting part of the fascia to relieve stress. This can be done through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques.
- Gastrocnemius recession – lengthening the calf muscle to reduce pressure on the fascia.
Both procedures are usually outpatient surgeries with relatively short recovery times.
Risks and Recovery
Like any surgery, plantar fasciitis surgery carries risks, including infection, nerve injury, and persistent pain. Recovery may take several weeks to months and often involves physical therapy to restore strength and mobility. While most patients experience significant improvement, outcomes vary.
After the procedure, patients may follow the plantar fasciitis rehab protocol as directed by their orthopaedic doctor.
Is Surgery Right for You?
If you’re dealing with chronic heel pain from plantar fasciitis, surgery is generally considered only after exhausting all other options. A foot and ankle specialist at Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay can evaluate your condition and determine whether surgical treatment is appropriate.
We Treat Plantar Fasciitis at Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay. Schedule a Consultation Today!
Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay is the trusted place for comprehensive foot and ankle services like plantar fasciitis surgery near you. Call (813) 684-BONE (2663) to schedule a consultation today and meet our team of surgeons before getting started on your personalized treatment plan.
