Heel spur removal, also known as plantar fasciitis surgery, is a medical procedure performed to alleviate chronic heel pain caused by bone growth on the heel. A heel spur may occur if the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed or stressed. This condition can develop for many reasons but is most commonly due to ill-fitting shoes, foot structure, uneven surfaces, and prolonged walking.
During this procedure, the surgeon will release the bone growth and remove any excess tissue surrounding it. This will alleviate the pain that the patient is experiencing as a result of plantar fasciitis.
When is This Procedure Necessary?
Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel bone. Patients with heel spurs may consider removal if the patient experiences persistent pain and discomfort as a result. Oftentimes, patients can find relief through conservative therapies, including shoe inserts, physical therapy, and pain medication. However, in the case these approaches are ineffective, patients may consider surgical intervention. A heel spur removal procedure can fix the problem and offer serious relief in cases where patients experience debilitating pain.
Before the procedure, the surgeon will collect diagnostic imagery of the foot to locate the heel spur. The patient will be under general anesthesia to ensure their comfort throughout the procedure. The surgeon will begin by making an incision along the heel to access the protrusion and then remove it. This procedure can be performed in a few different ways, so it is important to check with your doctor about what exactly you should expect. When the surgeon is complete with the procedure, the incision will be closed and the patient will be removed from anesthesia.
After the procedure, patients will likely experience swelling and pain at the incision site. Patients will be expected to avoid putting pressure on the operated-on foot and should use crutches to stay off it. After initial healing has taken place, patients are typically recommended to attend physical therapy, as this can help them regain balance and improve the function of the foot.
At Smith Medical, we understand the complexities of healthcare. Today, many procedures and treatments are unattainable due to their lofty price. Therefore, it is Smith Medical’s mission to provide our patients with the accessible, transparent, and quality care they deserve.
Contact the team at Smith Medical to learn more today.
