Heel Spurs
Heel spurs syndrome is a painful condition that involves the bottom of the foot. It is actually called plantar fasciitis which is inflammation of the tissues that hold up the arch. The pain is usually worse in the morning when you get out of bed. It also increases with activity.
90% of patients get better without surgery. For the unlucky 10%, a simple endoscopic procedure is available. It is outpatient and has a recovery time of 2-3 weeks. The procedure is 80% successful and requires only two stitches and five days of bandaging. Some patients still require an open release of the fascia which has a higher success rate but a much longer recovery time.
Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy
This procedure uses a camera to release the inside two-thirds of the ligament that hold up the arch. Two incisions are made on the inside and outside of the heel to allow a hollow tube to be placed through the foot. A camera (endoscope) is placed through one end and a special blade placed through the other. The plantar fascia is then released away from the heel spur.
Recovery is 2-3 weeks. Pain post-operatively is fairly low. Patients are back into shoes in 5 days with a total recovery time of 2-3 weeks.