Heel Spur Surgery Flashcards
What is Heel Spur Surgery?
Your heel is the primary exit point for the vertical forces travelling through your body. Each time you walk, run and jump, the heel is absorbing the shock of the body weight above and the ground force below. Thus it is no surprise so many people suffer from chronic heel pain. The most common cause of heel pain is a plantar fasciitis with or without the presence of a heel spur. Plantar fasciitis is caused by the pulling of a thick band of tissue that connects your heel to your forefoot. As you absorb shocks the arch of your foot tends to flatten with each step causing this band of tissue to stretch. As it is stretched, this band of tissue known as the plantar fascia, tugs on the heel bone (calcaneous) causing a heel spur to form. Schedule an appointment with a leading NYC podiatrist to learn about solutions for your heel pain.
Heel spurs are especially tender when you walk or even when you just stand for any amount of time. The best rated NYC podiatrists initially treat your heel spur with simple non-invasive treatments such as:
Stretching exercises Wearing different shoes that fit better Taping your heel for added support Orthotics Physical therapy If your heel pain hasn’t responded to non-invasive treatments, your New York podiatric doctor may recommend surgery.
All symptoms, potential procedural/surgical options should always be discussed with your podiatrist after a thorough consultation and examination for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Relieving Your Pain
The intense pain you feel may start to affect your work, fitness and social life. Your New York City podiatrist will determine the cause of the pain whether it be the heel spur or the tight band of tissue. Clinical examination and x-ray imaging is typically used to form this diagnosis. If conservative management has been unsuccessful, we will then discuss your surgical options.
In the past, a much more invasive procedure was needed to remove the spur. Now we have several minimal incision surgical options known as percutanous heel spur surgery.
Endoscopic Surgery
Today, your pain can effectively be treated through a quick minimally invasive procedure called endoscopic surgery. Endoscopic surgery utilizes a camera to increase the visualization of anatomy while only making tiny incisions to insert the camera. The best NYC podiatrists employ this technique to treat heel pain by releasing the plantar fascia. Superior understanding of the pain associated with heel spurs and newer surgical methods provide better results with shorter recovery times.
Many advances have been made in endoscopic surgery, including image quality and breadth of surgical applications. Surgeries that were done through large incisions in the past can now be performed using this technique yielding shorter recovery times and better cosmetic result. Highly rated NYC podiatrists cut one or two tiny incisions on the side of your heel. Then a slender tube with a tiny camera is inserted. The camera provides your podiatry doctor with better vision and control. The bone spur can be shaved down and the plantar fascia is released to improve your condition.
Typically this endoscopic surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you return home to recover a few hours after the procedure. The type of anesthesia administered will be decided based on medical history and the needs of the foot doctor and anesthesiologist. The endoscopic heel spur procedure should be performed by an experienced podiatric surgeon with the help of an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist. Post-heel surgery, your foot may be placed in a boot and given crutches for the first 1-2 weeks then partial weight bearing can begin if you are cleared by your foot surgeon. In some cases weight can be placed on the foot immediately following surgery. The post-operative care varies from patient to patient and must be discussed with your surgeon. This information is only meant to give you general information and direct you towards a doctor who can treat you.
Initial Recovery Period
Generally, podiatrists encourage you to walk soon after the heel spur surgery but it should be a gradual increase in activity mixed with elevating the foot when resting.
The sutures are usually removed at week 2 or 3 and transition into normal sneakers will begin soon after. Depending on your podiatrist’s judgment, you may have had a cast applied after surgery, necessitating crutches until its removal.
Getting Back on Your Feet
After about a month you really start to feel the effects of the surgery, though some patients will require more time to heal. Following surgery, custom orthotics can be made to support and stabilize the foot to prevent the return of heel pain.
The necessary time off from work depends on the type of job you hold and the sort of shoes that can be worn. In a sedentary occupation, you may even be able to return to work within a week. More active professions — those requiring climbing, crouching or extended walking — require more time. These are general guidelines; your podiatrist in NYC can give you an individual consultation to discuss the details of your recuperation.
Potential Surgical Complications
As in any surgical procedure, endoscopic heel spur surgery presents the risk of possible negative outcomes and complications. Therefore, your podiatric doctor in NYC will educate you on all risks, benefits and alternative treatments prior to the procedure. It is important to have realistic expectations when undergoing any operation so please ask your podiatrist in NYC about any concerns you may have.
It is possible that the heel spur surgery can result in nerve damage, causing a persistent numbness in the area surrounding your heel. In some cases, heel pain can persist following surgery. Infection is always a risk of surgery and getting your dressing wet or soiled increases this risk so please contact your NYC foot specialist if the bandage becomes wet. All potential complications will be discussed thoroughly in the office of Manhattan Foot Specialists as the information listed on this website is only meant to give general information.
Contact your New York City podiatrist immediately if you experience any of the following during your initial recovery period:
Dizziness Severe pain Swelling on or near the sutures A fever Dizziness Any sign of infection All symptoms, potential procedural/surgical options should always be discussed with your podiatrist after a thorough consultation and examination for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
