Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy
 A
new Endoscopic treatment for heel pain is now available to patients.
This new method uses an endoscope which is a small instrument that
allows the surgeon to see "anatomy" inside the body-when used in
joints, it is called an "arthroscope". By using a very small
incision, less than ½ inch, the new procedure releases the extreme
tension on the plantar fascia which is the cause of the pain in the
majority of cases. All of this is viewed on the television monitor
by the surgeon. The procedure itself usually takes less than 10
minutes using a local anesthetic. A sterile dressing is worn for
approximately 3 days and then the patient is usually allowed to
return to regular shoe wear. Minimal loss of work is incurred.
With the older, traditional heel spur
surgery, treatment requires a large surgical incision across the
inner side of the heel and outpatient hospitalization. A painful
recovery period of 4-6 weeks with a gradual return to soft shoes
after 2-4 weeks is normal. Often, patients miss work for many weeks
and are unable to bear weight on the heel during this time.
It is important to note that most heel pain can be treated
effectively without surgery. Treatment may include an
anti-inflammatory medication, a tape strapping of the foot to take
pressure off the ligament, and in-shoe support to redirect the
pressure off the spur area. However, there are many cases which do
not resolve with conservative treatment.
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