A plantar fasciotomy is used to treat plantar fascia, an inflammation of the thin connective tissue on the bottom of the foot called the fascia. During a fasciotomy, your surgeon cuts away a small portion of the fascia to relieve tension or pressure. Connective tissue grows back into the space left by the incision, effectively lengthening the fascia and relieving pain.

The procedure

Plantar fasciotomy is a minimally invasive procedure. The doctor makes two small incisions on either side of the heel. An endoscope is inserted in one incision to guide the doctor. A tiny knife is inserted in the other. A portion of the fascia near the heel is removed. The incisions are then closed.

Recovery

People who have an endoscopic plantar fasciotomy, an outpatient procedure, can walk without pain almost immediately, return to wearing their regular shoes within three to five days, and return to normal activities within three weeks. Most will need to wear arch supports in their shoes.