What is Plantar Fascia Release?

Plantar fascia release is an outpatient surgical procedure that releases a painful plantar fascia tendon and relieves plantar fasciitis symptoms. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes about one hour. The procedure may be performed arthroscopically or as an open procedure depending upon the specific area and severity of the injury.

Steps of the procedure typically include:

• First, an incision is made on the sole of the foot
• Next, the tight plantar fascia is carefully cut and released
• Last, the incision is carefully closed and sterilely dressed

The foot is placed in a flat sole postoperative shoe after surgery as immobilization is necessary to protect the incision. Crutches allow the patient to easily move around. Symptoms decrease substantially after surgery and typically do not return.

What Does Plantar Fascia Release Treat?

The plantar fascia is a band of soft tissue on the bottom of the foot that absorbs and distributes forces placed on the foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia is irritated and inflamed due to overuse or repetitive injury.

Plantar fasciitis causes and risk factors include:

• Calf muscle tightness
• High arch
• Increased physical activity
• Obesity
• Overuse
• New or overly strenuous physical activity

A burning pain in the bottom of the foot and heel is the most common plantar fasciitis symptom. Nonsurgical treatment options effectively treat the majority of cases of plantar fasciitis. A plantar fascia release may be recommended when plantar fasciitis does not respond to many months of nonsurgical treatment.

Patients can expect to find symptom relief when they make an appointment us.