Heel pain can usually be treated successfully, but resolution is often slow. Orthotic devices may absorb some of the impact on the heels. If your friend is overweight, losing some extra pounds may help. If the sufferer is patient, the pain almost always disappears with time. On rare occasions, when severe heel pain does not respond to the above mentioned conservative measures, a brace or walking cast may be indicated.
Surgery is definitely a last resort, used when all else fails.
Another doctor may have more patience, or more ideas for tactics to try before surgery is necessary. A second opinion can also be reassuring that the first opinion was right.