HEEL SPUR SURGERY
- Method
- Removal of the heel spur and plantar fasciotomy
- Duration
- 30 to 60 minutes
- Recovery time
- 4 to 8 weeks
What is heel spur surgery?
Heel spur surgery is a surgical procedure for treating a plantar heel spur (plantar fasciitis). The painful bony outgrowth at the heel is removed and the inflamed plantar fascia partly divided in order to relieve the pain.
A heel spur arises from chronic overloading and inflammation of the plantar fascia. The operation is only carried out in patients for whom conservative measures such as physiotherapy, insoles or injections have not been successful.
How the operation proceeds
- Local or regional anaesthetic
- Incision on the sole of the foot or on the side of the foot
- Exposure of the plantar fascia and of the heel spur
- Removal of the bony spur
- Partial division of the plantar fascia (fasciotomy)
- Closure of the wound and a sterile dressing
Rehabilitation after heel spur surgery
Rehabilitation after heel spur surgery proceeds step by step and aims to support wound healing and restore the function of the foot.
Phase I (0-2 weeks): wound healing and protection
- Elevation to reduce swelling
- Compression dressing for 5-7 days
- Wound check and removal of sutures after 10-14 days
- Avoiding weight-bearing
Phase II (2-4 weeks): mobilisation
- Beginning mobilisation exercises
- Increasing weight-bearing step by step
- Physiotherapy to improve movement
- Stretching exercises for the plantar fascia
Phase III (from week 4): full weight-bearing
- Full weight-bearing possible
- Taking up everyday activities again
- Sporting activities depending on how healing progresses
- Checks on wound healing