Surgery for Plantar Fasciitis

Medical massage at the foot in a physiotherapy center. Female physiotherapist inspecting her patient.

Overview

Surgery should only be considered as a last resort for plantar fasciitis (PF). There are risks to all surgeries, including infection and nerve damage. Surgery is rarely needed for plantar fasciitis and most foot surgeons recommend trying other conservative forms of therapy for at least 6 months before considering surgery.

 



 

RESCU Treatment Ratings

R = RiskĀ  Ā  Ā  E = EffectivenessĀ  Ā  Ā  S = Self-Care

C = Cost Ā  Ā  U = Usefulness (overall rating)

1 = Least Favorable Ā  Ā  5 = Most Favorable

R

RISK: 3/5

3_Hearts_Treatment_Rating

There are risks to all surgeries, including infection and nerve damage. Completely severing the plantar fascia will result in flat foot, hallux valgus (bunion) and hammer toes and will require lifelong use of orthotics. Some patients can experience more pain after the surgery than they had before, and some experience persistent numbness in the foot.

Sources:

Shazia A, Davinder P, Singh B. Plantar heel pain.Ā Clin Focus Prim Care.Ā 2011;5:128ā€“33.

E
S
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U