Foot pain can make daily life very difficult, especially when it is caused by plantar fasciitis. There is a band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes. When this tissue is inflamed, you get plantar fasciitis. The good news is that there are now minimally invasive surgeries that can help. These approaches are less risky and often have shorter recovery times. Their help lets you get back to your daily life more quickly.
Let us explore the best minimally invasive plantar fasciitis surgery options and tips for finding the right orthopedic surgeon to support you in making this important choice.
1. Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy
This is a common type of surgery. It is one of the options used to treat plantar fasciitis.
A surgeon will make a tiny surgical incision in your foot. This lets them insert a small camera and specialized tools. The camera shows the plantar fascia on a screen, helping the surgeon work carefully and accurately.
After the surgery, ideally, there should be less tension in the plantar fascia. Your surgeon will do this by cutting a small part of it. This helps lower the inflammation and stress on the tissue, which can greatly reduce pain.
Its benefits include:
- Not as painful as traditional surgery
- Faster recovery, often allowing walking within a few weeks
- Very small scars because of the tiny cuts
Initial treatments for the condition include physical therapy or special shoe inserts. If these options do not work, endoscopic plantar fasciotomy is a good option.
2. Ultrasound-Guided Plantar Fasciotomy
In this procedure, the surgeon uses ultrasound imaging to guide small tools. This way, they treat the problem areas with great accuracy.
This technology helps the surgeon focus only on the damaged tissue. With this technique, they are able to avoid the healthy areas around it.
This method works especially well for patients with specific, localized problems. The real-time imaging gives the surgeon excellent control.
Key benefits of the procedure include:
- Very precise treatment of the inflamed or damaged tissue
- Greatly decreased risk of problems during surgery
- Shorter surgery time compared to older methods
It only takes a few weeks after this surgery before patients feel improvement. It also requires very little recovery time.
Preparing for Surgery
Preparation for minimally invasive plantar fasciitis surgery involves several key steps. Your doctor will provide specific instructions, which you must follow carefully.
This may include stopping certain medications, such as blood thinners, a week or so before the procedure.
Driving after the surgery is not advisable for various reasons. For example, you might still be recovering from the effects of anesthesia. You might have muscle weakness or feel a lot of pain. You will need to arrange for transport home afterward.
It would also help to prepare your home. You can do this by ensuring you have a comfortable place to rest and easy access to necessities.
Discuss any allergies or current health conditions with your medical team in advance.
What to Expect After Surgery
As with most surgeries, there will be some immediate pain and swelling. You will receive recommendations for how to manage it, such as pain medication.
You may have to use assistive devices after the surgery. This keeps weight off your foot and gives it time to recover. Your doctor will give you a timeline for when you can increase the weight you put on your foot.
Physical therapy will be an important part of your recovery to help restore strength and flexibility. It will also be instrumental in helping you develop proper foot mechanics.
After a few weeks, most individuals experience much less pain. You can expect a full return to normal activities over several months.
Choosing the Right Orthopedic Surgeon
Selecting the right orthopedic surgeon near you is very important for plantar fasciitis surgery. The following tips can help you find a reliable surgeon:
Check Qualifications and Certifications
Find a surgeon who has board certification and specializes in the foot and ankle. Surgeons with extra fellowship training in these areas often have greater skill and knowledge.
Assess Experience
Experience is very important for minimally invasive surgeries. Ask your surgeon how many similar procedures they have done and about their success rates.
Surgeons with more experience are better prepared to manage any problems.
Read Patient Reviews
Patient reviews can give helpful information about others’ experiences. Look for consistent comments about the surgeon’s care, communication, and results.
Schedule a Consultation
Meeting the surgeon in person is very important to decide if they are the right choice for you. During the consultation, ask these questions:
- Are there any notable risks and benefits of the procedure you recommend?
- What is my timeline for recovery?
- Is there anything I should expect while recovering?
- Are there other treatments I should try before surgery?
- What kind of help will your team provide during my recovery?
Notice how clearly and confidently the surgeon answers. You should feel comfortable around your surgeon. They should also fully inform you about everything regarding the procedure you will undergo.
Plantar Fasciitis Surgery in Bethesda, Germantown, & Rockville, MD
Do you have long-term plantar fasciitis that has not improved with non-surgical treatments? Minimally invasive surgery can help you find relief. It also has fewer risks and a shorter recovery time than open surgery.
Do you need plantar fasciitis surgery near you? The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics: Maryland Orthopedic Specialists Division’s Dr. Gary Feldman is ready to help you. He has over 25 years of expertise in advanced foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Feldman and his team of physical therapists will support you through every step and provide top-quality care at every juncture. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (301) 515-0900 or schedule an appointment online.
We look forward to serving you!
