If other treatments didn't work for you, surgery may be able to help.When the band of tissue on the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed, it's called Plantar Fasciitis.Your doctor will likely cut part of your foot to make it less tight during your surgery.Experts agree that risks of surgery include issues like foot pain, slow wound healing, infection, and pinched nerves, but most people feel better after surgery.
Step 1: You should wear a walking cast or shoe.
The recovery time is shorter if you have an endoscopic procedure.After the surgery, your surgeon will wrap your foot in a walking cast or boot.You can wear this for a few days after the surgery.Your doctor may recommend that you wear a boot or cast.Wear it according to your surgeon's instructions.
Step 2: For the first week, stay off your feet.
For the first week after the surgery, your surgeon will recommend that you stay off the foot.This will limit your pain, recovery period, and potential for soft tissue damage around the site.Your surgeon will tell you to stay off your feet, but you should get up to use the restroom and eat.The risk of infections is reduced by keeping the foot and bandage dry.
Step 3: Once the cast or boot is removed, use supportive walking shoes.
Your surgeon will make a decision at your first follow-up appointment.If your surgeon removes it, he will recommend that you wear shoes with plenty of arch support for the next several weeks while still minimizing the amount of weight you place on your foot.Podiatrists and surgeons will often prescribe custom shoe inserts for patients.As your foot heals, return to using your orthotics.
Step 4: Your surgeon can remove your sutures.
Your surgeon will remove any sutures from the procedure at your next appointment, which will be anywhere from 10 to 14 days after your initial procedure.You can resume bathing your foot once the sutures are out.You can put your weight on the foot again.
Step 5: For at least three weeks, do not try to resume your normal walking routine.
It is likely that you will experience some pain from walking for around three weeks.If your job requires you to spend long hours on your feet, then you may have to take this time off work.If you have to be on your feet, you may find relief from the pain in icing.By placing a frozen water bottle on the floor and using your foot to roll across it, you can perform a stretch as well as icing it.
Step 6: Go to your doctor's appointments.
Your doctor can make additional follow-up appointments for you.A physical therapist will teach you how to stretch the muscles in your foot for the best outcome after your surgery.Schedule these appointments based on the suggestions of the professional providers.A golf ball is a hard object that can be used to massage your foot.Another easy way to strengthen your muscles is to use your toes to grasp a towel or carpet under your feet.
Step 7: If you want to resume strenuous exercise routines, consult your physical therapist.
Your doctor or physical therapist may recommend easing you back into exercise after you walk normally.If you want to resume your workout regimen, you should consult them about the best exercises.Don't be surprised if they suggest swimming and cycling for several months after your procedure.
Step 8: Your surgeon wants you to wear a cast or brace for the whole time.
Your cast or brace needs to be used consistently in order to allow you to fully recover.It is still necessary to allow complete recovery even if you feel better and there is no pain.Increased mobility and no pain do not mean your body has healed completely.For two to three weeks, you can wear the cast or boot.When eating or using the bathroom for the first week or two, your surgeon will likely tell you to stay off your feet.The risk of infections is reduced by keeping the foot and bandage dry.
Step 9: You can use the crutches.
If you must get up, your doctor will provide crutches for you to use.They can be used to help you keep weight off your foot.
Step 10: If your doctor prescribes pain meds, take them.
The open nature of the procedure will cause pain during your recovery.Pain medication will be prescribed by your doctor to keep you comfortable during your recovery.When you are experiencing pain, take your pain meds as directed.If the pain doesn't go away, contact your doctor.Once your prescription runs out, you will have to switch to over-the-counter pain medication.NSAIDs can help manage pain.
Step 11: Attend your follow-up appointments.
Your surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of your recovery and to determine when to remove the cast or boot on your foot.Don't remove the cast or boot before your doctor's okay, and make sure you attend these appointments.
Step 12: Start wearing shoes that support you.
Once your doctor removes the cast/boot, he will allow you to wear shoes again as long as it is comfortable for you.Since surgery is a last resort, you will likely already have custom inserts for your shoes.Continue to use them after the surgery to support your foot as it heals.
Step 13: Ice can be used to reduce pain.
When your foot is out of the cast, you can ice it to make it less painful.One way to place a frozen water bottle under your foot is to roll it along.This stretches the area around your foot at the same time.
Step 14: Attend physical therapy appointments.
If your doctor sees that you have been putting too much weight on your foot, she may schedule more appointments to check it out.If you meet with a physical therapist at this point, you will be able to learn some stretches and exercises to aid in your recovery.These types of stretches include using a hard object such as a golf ball to massage your foot.Another easy way to strengthen your muscles is to use your toes to grasp a towel or carpet under your feet.
Step 15: For at least three months, restrict all running and impact sports.
Your doctor or physical therapist may recommend easing you back into exercise after you walk normally.You should only run and jump for as long as three months.If you want to resume your workout regimen, you should consult them about the best exercises.They won't stop you from exercising completely, but they will suggest low-impact routines such as swimming.