Important Questions To Ask Your Podiatrist When Surgery For Your Plantar Fasciitis Has Been Recommended

If you have suffered from plantar fasciitis and treatments like resting your feet, using orthotics and changing your style of shoe have not provided the necessary relief, your podiatrist may have recommended surgical intervention. Unfortunately, it is easy to assume that surgery will permanently fix the problem without any further assistance. The truth is that it is common to use a specific type of orthotics and to be unable to resume some of your preferred physical activities for three months or more after your surgery. If you are planning for what life will be after you have surgery to release tension to the plantar fascia ligament, it will be very helpful to ask your podiatrist the following questions.

What Type Of Procedure Will You Have?

It is important to note that there are two different surgeries that can benefit people who suffer from plantar fasciitis. One option is known as open surgery and involves simply cutting into the area. Alternatively, you may learn that endoscopic surgery, which involves the insertion of instruments with the use of small cuts is more appropriate.

Regardless, the goal will be to eliminate pain that occurs to the plantar fascia ligament, which links your toes to your heel. By cutting into a significant portion the ligament, much of the tension that is thought to cause the pain is reduced.

Why Should You Know About Your Surgical Options?

Open surgery is usually a more invasive procedure, and as such, your recovery is likely to be longer than with an endoscopic procedure. Although the decision for open surgery to be done instead of an endoscopic procedure or vice versa can be simply a preference of the podiatrist, it is also possible that there are specific details pertinent to your diagnosis that could impact that decision.

In addition, it is important to consider that not all physicians who are able to perform an open procedure are also trained to provide the endoscopic one. Therefore, you may find that you are being offered an open procedure because of that discrepancy. Since, as mentioned previously, an open surgery will take longer to heal from, a bit of research could help you make the right choice.

Plantar fasciitis is a painful problem for many people. When less invasive treatment has failed and surgical intervention has been recommended by your doctor, it is a good idea to plan for your recovery by asking your doctor the questions listed above. Use resources like http://www.advancedfootclinic.org to learn more.