The bone spur is the result of chronic inflammation, where the fascia that is attached to the heel bone has been pulling over an extended period of time. The spur is a symptom of the inflammation and not the actual cause of the heel pain. Due to the severity of this procedure, patients were not able to bear weight on their feet after surgery for 2 to 4 weeks. In performing an Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy, it is not necessary to remove the heel spur in order to help alleviate the pain. Two small incisions are made in the fascia to release the tension.
Most patients are able to return to work within a week, and resume their normal pace within a month.
Factors such as age, weight, and occupation can modify the recovery period. There are fewer complications with the new procedure when compared with the previous surgical treatments offered. As with all surgery, no procedure is risk-free, and there is no guarantee as to the success of the procedure. The postoperative risks include delayed healing, infection, pain in the arch area, and a possibility of a small area of numbness at the incision sites. Fortunately, most surgical complications can be resolved with careful follow-up by the surgeon.