What is Plantar Fascia Release?
Plantar fascia release is a surgical procedure to treat moderate to severe plantar fasciitis, in which your surgeon releases or removes the diseased section of the plantar fascia tissue to relieve pain and inflammation in the foot.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the plantar fascia becomes inflamed from overstretching or overuse, causing pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue present at the bottom of the foot. It runs from the heel bone to the toes and helps support the arch of your foot. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It is most often seen in middle-age, but may also occur generally in those who are constantly on their feet.
Indications for Plantar Fascia Release
Nonsurgical treatment modalities such as physical therapy, Tenex procedure, shockwave therapy, activity modifications, boots, braces, medications, injections, splints, and orthotics are always the first line of treatment for plantar fasciitis. Plantar fascial release is only recommended if:
- Conservative treatments have failed
Preparation for Plantar Fascia Release
In general, preoperative preparation for plantar fascia release surgery will involve the following steps:
Procedure for Plantar Fascia Release
Plantar fascia release surgery may be performed as an open surgery, where a large incision is made, or as a minimally invasive endoscopic surgery, where small incisions are made to insert an endoscope (a thin, flexible instrument with a camera and light source), and other tiny surgical instruments.
Postoperative Care and Recovery
In general, postoperative care instructions and recovery after plantar fascia release will involve the following steps:
Risks and Complications
Plantar fascia release surgery is a relatively safe procedure; however, as with any surgery, some risks and complications may occur, such as the following:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Damage to surrounding structures such as nerves and vessels
- Continued pain
- Loss of arch height in the foot
