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Heel Spur Operation
Minimally Invasive and Video Assisted
What is heel spur syndrome?
It is often described as a "stone bruise" by the patient. Pain is
usually worse in the morning, especially the first several steps,
or when first standing after periods of rest. As the pain worsens,
the heel can hurt even while not weight-bearing.
What is endoscopic plantar fasciotomy?
Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy is a recent advance in foot surgery
for the correction of Heel Spur Syndrome and Plantar Fasciitis. The
new technique allows for a quicker recovery and a faster return to
normal activity. The procedure is performed by utilizing specially
designed instruments that allow the surgeon to directly visualize
the foot structures on a video screen. It involves an outpatient surgical
visit that takes approximately 20 minutes and only requires 2 small
incisions.
What causes it?
Heel Spur Syndrome, or heel pain, is usually caused by a mechanical
problem involving the structural alignment of the foot. There is a
dense fibrous band of tissue in the bottom of the foot known as the
plantar fascia. The plantar fascia inserts into the heel bone and
spreads out into the foot. Because of mechanical
misalignment of the foot, excessive tension is placed on this band
of tissue, causing inflammation and pain. The size or presence of
a heel spur does not always correlate with the amount of pain.
Maybe it will just go away.
This is possible, in some patients. However, this is not usually the
case. In most cases the longer the patient waits to seek treatment,
the more chronic the condition becomes, and thus requires a more lengthy
and involved treatment.
Am I a candidate for this surgical procedure?
If you have failed to obtain complete relief of heel pain symptoms
with the use of conservative treatments such as: taping, orthotics,
cortisone injections, oral medication or physical therapy, then you
may benefit from an Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy. A complete evaluation
and discussion with Dr. Benjamin will help determine your best options.
What then?
If all of your symptoms go away with conservative care then surgery
will not be necessary. If, however, pain and discomfort are still
present after conservative care has been tried, then surgery is recommended.
How is this procedure different?
In classic heel spur surgery, a large open incision is made to sever
the tight ligament in the arch known as the plantar fascia and to
remove the bone spur which has formed within this fascia. Studies
have proven that the actual bone spur is formed over a long period
of time because of constant pulling. The injury produces inflammation,
pain and inability to bear weight on the heel comfortably. The inflammation
stimulates spur formation. The spur is a symptom of the inflammation
and not the cause of the heel pain. In Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy
it is not necessary to remove the heel spur in order to cure the pain.
What are the expected results?
Most patients return to their regular shoes in 3-5 days. Most return
to work after the first week, and return to their normal activities
by the end of the third week. Everyone heals slightly differently.
Other factors such as age, weight, and occupation can contribute to
healing times.
What are the risks and complications?
Fortunately, there are few complications that are relatively minor
and usually resolved with careful follow-up. As with all other surgery,
no procedure is risk free, and there is no guarantee as to the success
of this procedure. The most common risks inherent to this procedure
include delayed healing with aching at the surgical site or instep,
infection, and a possibility of a small area of numbness at the incisions.
Will my insurance cover this procedure?
You should have benefits for this procedure if you have surgical coverage.
You may be responsible for a portion of the surgical fees including
insurance deductibles and copays.
Why us?
Dr. Benjamin is a Board
Certified Foot Surgeon, extensively trained in techniques of orthopedic,
laser, and reconstructive surgery of the foot.
What do I have to do now?
Call 301-695-9669 for an appointment today, at one of our convenient
office locations:
1.
Frederick
2. Mt. Airy
3. Germantown
* Convenient Weekday & Evening Hours Available.
* Walk-ins Accepted.
* Emergency
* Available 24 Hours a day Seven Days a week.
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