Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Des Moines, Mason City, and Pella, IA

Are you experiencing sharp pain in your heel? You could be one of the many people who suffer from plantar fasciitis each year. At East Village Foot & Ankle Surgeons (EVFAS), we see patients with this condition frequently and see them walk away pain-free with proper treatment.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment: Surgery, Therapy & More

If you’re an adult suffering from heel pain, especially during those first few steps in the morning, you could be dealing with plantar fasciitis. This foot disorder can keep you from living actively and if ignored, can potentially lead to more chronic conditions down the road.

So, what is the best treatment for plantar fasciitis? From daily leg and foot stretches to surgery, there are many plantar fasciitis treatment options. While cases requiring surgical treatment are uncommon, if your condition doesn’t respond to conservative treatment options and you continue to experience pain, our podiatrists may suggest plantar fascia release surgery. As with any medical procedure, we will consider all possible treatment options for your unique case.

Plantar Fascia Release Surgery

Our foot doctors perform plantar fascia surgery by either traditional open surgery or endoscopic surgery. This type of surgery releases the tension on the plantar fascia to relieve pain and allow your foot more flexibility.

Plantar Fascia Surgery Procedure

  • Open Surgery: If we decide on open surgery for your plantar fasciitis, we will cut a small opening on the bottom of the foot in order to reach the plantar fascia.
  • Our surgeon will then release tension in your foot by cutting the plantar fascia.
  • Endoscopic Surgery: This procedure option is minimally invasive with a shorter recovery time, making it the more popular choice. An EVFAS surgeon will make a small incision on either side of the heel bone directly below the ankle.
  • After the incisions have been made, we will insert an instrument equipped with a micro camera. This provides visualization of the plantar fascia to be released with a tiny blade.

How Painful is Plantar Fasciitis Surgery?

Plantar fascia release surgery is only necessary for about 5% of those who need plantar fasciitis correction and is seen as a last-resort treatment option. Fasciitis surgery has a high success rate and most who undergo the surgery experience lasting results. When you visit EVFAS, our foot and ankle specialists will evaluate every treatment option and weigh the recovery of each to ensure you are receiving the treatment that will get you the best results.

Plantar Fascia Surgery Recovery Time

  • If you elect open surgery for your plantar fasciitis, the recovery period may be longer than that of endoscopic surgery. For the endoscopic surgery, patients will need to wear a wedge shoe to protect the bottom of the foot for 4-7 days. This will allow your foot to maintain stability while healing, as well as minimize the pressure put on your heel. You should be able to ease back into normal shoes in 7-10 days.
  • Endoscopic plantar fascia release surgery requires a recovery time of only 3 to 6 weeks. Patients who undergo the endoscopic option do not need a cast and can return to walking as soon as they feel comfortable in normal shoes, typically 7-10 days following surgery.
  • For patients who participate in rigorous, high-impact activities such as exercising and running, it typically takes up to 4-6 weeks to fully recover before being able to return.

Plantar Fasciitis Therapy

Plantar fasciitis therapy, similar to the alternative treatment options mentioned above, involves icing, stretching, and resting. If our podiatrists find this is the best treatment option for your case of plantar fasciitis, we will share recommended stretches you can practice at home to allow for an easy and full recovery.

Get Plantar Fasciitis Relief Today

Are you wondering what the best plantar fasciitis treatment option is for you? Our foot doctors in Des Moines, Mason City, and Pella will create a treatment plan to get you back on your feet as soon as possible. Contact our foot and ankle clinic to prevent any future damage to your feet and start treatment!