At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide comprehensive care to support you both before and after surgery or procedure. Plantar Fascia Release is a surgical procedure performed to treat plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. When this tissue becomes inflamed or irritated, it leads to pain, particularly in the heel. For chronic cases where conservative treatments like rest, stretching exercises, and physical therapy have not provided relief, plantar fascia release surgery may be considered.

Plantar Fascia Release Surgery - Procedure, Recovery & Rehabilitation

Learn about Plantar Fascia Release surgery, its procedure, recovery time, and rehabilitation process. Find out how Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health can support your recovery after plantar fascia surgery.

What is Plantar Fascia Release Surgery?

Plantar Fascia Release is a surgical procedure performed to treat plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. When this tissue becomes inflamed or irritated, it leads to pain, particularly in the heel. For chronic cases where conservative treatments like rest, stretching exercises, and physical therapy have not provided relief, plantar fascia release surgery may be considered.

Reasons for Plantar Fascia Release Surgery:

• Persistent pain in the heel that doesn’t improve with non-surgical treatments.

• Difficulty walking, standing, or performing daily activities due to heel pain.

• Chronic inflammation or scarring of the plantar fascia.

• Severe cases where other options like corticosteroid injections or orthotics have failed.

The Procedure

Preoperative Assessment:

• Before surgery, your surgeon will conduct a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and potentially X-rays or MRI scans to assess the extent of the plantar fascia damage.

• The surgeon will review your medical history and discuss any underlying health conditions to ensure you are a suitable candidate for surgery.

During Surgery:

• Plantar fascia release surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity and individual case.

• The surgeon will make small incisions in the heel area and carefully release or cut part of the plantar fascia to relieve tension and pain.

• In some cases, the surgeon may also remove any scar tissue or repair any damaged tissue in the plantar fascia.

• The surgery is typically done using a minimally invasive approach, allowing for smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and a quicker recovery time.

Postoperative Care:

• After surgery, you may need to wear a special boot or cast to protect the foot and allow it to heal.

• Pain management is an important aspect of recovery, and your surgeon may prescribe medications to manage pain and prevent infection.

• Elevation and icing will help control swelling in the early stages of recovery.

• Weight-bearing may be restricted initially, and crutches or a walker may be necessary.

Healing and Recovery Time

Initial Recovery (Weeks 1-2):

• During the first couple of weeks, you will focus on resting and protecting your foot. Keeping the foot elevated will help reduce swelling.

• The pain may be managed with medications and ice therapy, and you will likely need to use a boot to keep the foot immobilized.

Intermediate Recovery (Weeks 2-6):

• As your foot starts to heal, you may be allowed to gradually bear weight and begin light activities. The surgeon may remove the stitches at the 2-week mark.

• Physical therapy will be crucial during this period to restore range of motion and begin gentle stretching exercises for the foot and Achilles tendon.

Full Recovery (6-12 Weeks):

• Full recovery can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery and individual healing speed.

• By this time, most patients are able to return to regular activities, including walking and low-impact exercises.

• High-impact activities such as running or jumping should be avoided for several months until the foot has fully healed.

Rehabilitation After Plantar Fascia Release

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in achieving the best outcomes after plantar fascia release surgery. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we offer tailored rehabilitation programs that focus on restoring strength, flexibility, and function to your foot and lower extremities.

Rehabilitation Phases:

1. Prehabilitation:

   • Before surgery, we can help prepare your body for recovery with exercises to strengthen the muscles around the foot and improve flexibility. This will help minimize post-surgical complications and prepare you for a smoother recovery.

2. Phase 1: Early Recovery (Weeks 1-6)

   • In the first few weeks, the focus will be on managing pain and swelling, with gentle range-of-motion exercises.

   • We will help reduce swelling using ice therapy, elevation, and compression as needed.

3. Phase 2: Strengthening & Functional Rehabilitation (Weeks 6-12)

   • Once your foot is stable, we will gradually introduce strengthening exercises for the foot and ankle muscles, improving gait mechanics and restoring foot function.

   • Stretching and mobility exercises for the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia will be critical during this phase to avoid stiffness and improve flexibility.

4. Phase 3: Full Recovery & Return to Activity (3-6 Months)

   • After 3 months, most patients are ready to begin low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling. High-impact activities, including running, should only be reintroduced after the 6-month mark.

   • We will continue to monitor your progress, ensuring that you can return to your regular activities with optimal function.

Rehabilitation Gym at Palms Physiotherapy:

• Our rehabilitation gym is designed to assist with foot and ankle rehabilitation, featuring specialized equipment to help with strength, balance, and flexibility training.

• We use manual therapy, post-surgical rehabilitation exercises, and state-of-the-art modalities to accelerate healing and ensure long-term success after plantar fascia release surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does it take to recover from plantar fascia release surgery?

• Full recovery typically takes about 6-12 weeks, with most of the healing occurring within the first 2-3 months.

2. When can I walk after plantar fascia release surgery?

• You will be restricted from putting weight on your foot for the first 2-4 weeks. After that, you may gradually begin weight-bearing as your doctor permits.

3. How can I manage swelling after surgery?

• Swelling can be reduced with elevation, ice packs, and compression bandages during the early stages of recovery.

4. Are there any risks associated with plantar fascia release surgery?

• Risks include infection, nerve injury, persistent pain, or failure of the release. These risks are minimized through proper surgical technique and adherence to post-operative care instructions.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health Can Help

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we specialize in rehabilitation after plantar fascia release surgery, providing expert care to ensure a full and speedy recovery. Our team of physiotherapists and exercise physiologists will work with you through every stage of recovery, from the early days of pain management and swelling reduction to full rehabilitation and return to activity.

Our personalized rehabilitation programs are designed to help you regain strength, flexibility, and mobility, while minimizing the risk of complications. Whether you're recovering from surgery or preparing for it, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Additional Resources:

For more information on Plantar Fascia Release and related topics, please refer to the following reputable Australian resources:

• Better Health Channel - Plantar Fasciitis: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

• Australian Podiatry Association - Plantar Fasciitis and Treatment: https://podiatry.org.au/

We look forward to supporting you on your recovery journey after plantar fascia release surgery. Book your appointment today with Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health!