Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy procedure and important notes

When is plantar fasciitis endoscopic surgery necessary?

Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy is necessary when the patient has chronic plantar fasciitis. If the treatment regimens with medication and physical therapy have not improved the condition, the specialist will prescribe endoscopic plantar fasciotomy.

Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy is an endoscopic therapy for plantar fasciitis. This method is applied to cases of plantar fasciitis, which is characterized by sharp pain in the heel area when taking the first steps of the day. The pain often lessens with movement or standing, but it can return after prolonged standing or upon standing up after sitting.

This condition is thought to be caused by excessive pressure and tension on the fascia, which results in tension and tearing of the fascia, causing discomfort or inflammation of the fascia.

Benefits of endoscopic plantar fasciotomy

Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy offers many benefits compared to open surgical methods. These include:

• Minimally invasive: One of the most significant advantages of endoscopic surgery is that it’s minimally invasive. With only small incisions required, patients experience less trauma to the foot and reduced scarring. This aspect of the procedure can be particularly appealing to those who are concerned about cosmetic outcomes or who have sensitive skin that heals poorly.
• Reduced recovery time: Traditional surgery often requires a lengthy recovery period, sometimes stretching into months. In contrast, endoscopic surgery typically allows for quicker healing. Patients can often return to their regular activities in a matter of weeks, which is a significant advantage for those eager to resume an active lifestyle.
• Lower risk of complications: Because the incisions are smaller and the surgical site is visible via the endoscope, the risk of complications, such as infection or nerve damage, is minimized. This increase in precision significantly boosts patient safety and the overall success rate of the surgery.
• High success rate: Studies have shown that endoscopic plantar fasciotomy boasts a high success rate, with many patients experiencing complete relief from pain. This efficacy makes it an attractive option for those who have struggled with chronic pain despite other treatments.

Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy procedure

In the case that the patient is prescribed endoscopic plantar fasciotomy, the patient needs to learn about the endoscopic treatment process in advance to be fully prepared.

The endoscopic surgery procedure at Hanoi French Hospital is simpler than other open surgeries, they follow 6 steps:

• Step 1: The patient makes an appointment for consultation and examination with a specialist
• Step 2: The doctor checks the patient’s health and condition
• Step 3: The patient signs the endoscopic treatment confirmation
• Step 4: Perform endoscopic plantar fasciotomy: The patient will be given local anesthesia before surgery to reduce pain.
• Step 5: Recovery after endoscopic plantar fasciotomy
• Step 6: The doctor announces the results of the surgery

How to relieve pain after endoscopic plantar fasciotomy

After surgery, the patient needs to rest following the doctor’s instructions for full recovery. In addition, because plantar fasciitis affects the patient’s daily activities, the patient should take note of these recommendations:

• Maintain a suitable weight: Maintain a weight suitable for the body shape, reducing the risk of obesity causing pressure on the feet.
• Choose comfortable shoes: Use low-heeled shoes with cushioning to support the foot muscles. Do not wear flat shoes or go barefoot.
• Practice suitable sports: Play sports that put less pressure on the feet such as swimming and cycling.
• Relax your feet: Regularly massage and apply cold compresses whenever you feel pain or have undertaken heavy work.

In short, endoscopic plantar fasciotomy is a suitable method to treat plantar fasciitis. Understand this method to prepare well for surgery. Contact your doctor for more detailed advice.