PLANTAR FASCIITIS in NYC

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation and pain in the plan fascia—the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. Symptoms in some cases can involve severe and stabbing pains that interfere with and interrupt ordinary activity.

Among the more conservative treatments that exist for plantar fasciitis are physical therapy, special shoe inserts, and steroid injections but when these are ineffective, surgery is often indicated.

If you have pain due to plantar fasciitis, Dr. Bhalja will perform a physical examination, review x-ray and/or MRI imaging, and discuss with you your surgical and non-surgical treatment options to reduce pain and deformity.

Dr. Bhalja is a highly reviewed Plantar Fasciitis specialist in NYC.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis typically occurs as a result of trauma or injury that results from excessive walking and running, pressure and impact from athletic activities that include jumping or landing on the feet, and poor footwear.

Other contributing factors include one’s occupation if it requires prolonged standing and mobility, and being of a bodyweight beyond what one’s frame can easily carry.

How is Plantar Fasciitis Treated?

Mild cases of plantar fasciitis may occasionally resolve spontaneously without external aid or corrective action being taken.

Moderate cases of the condition may resolve over time, often taking between six and 12 months. During this time, getting sufficient rest, using ice to reduce inflammation, taking NSAIDs, stretching your foot and calf, exercise, and using special shoe inserts can help reduce the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.

A small number of people, those who experience prolonged, severe, and acute cases of plantar fasciitis, will require a surgical procedure.

Conservative Treatments For Plantar Fasciitis

• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injection
• Stretching exercises of calves and feet
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory meds (NSAIDs)

Minimally Invasive Non Surgical treatment:

• Tenex procedure: Minimally invasive non-surgical treatment that uses high-frequency vibrations and a specialized tool to remove accumulated scar tissue from the damaged plantar fascia to restore mobility and circulation to the site and encourage growth of healthy tissue.

Am I A Candidate For Plantar Fasciitis Surgery?

As this is a surgical procedure, full candidacy is determined only during a personal consultation. However, it is helpful to know that you are most likely a candidate for plantar fasciitis surgery if you:

• Are experiencing pain in your heel and foot that affects your ability to work.
• Have had plantar fasciitis pain and symptoms for more than six months.
• Have continued to experience pain despite trying more conservative treatment options.
• Are severely restricted or unable to perform routine physical activities without experiencing great pain.

In a personal consultation with Dr. Bhalja she will help you to determine if surgery is the best means of treatment for you and if there are alternative methods that should be tried beforehand.

What Happens During Plantar Fasciitis Surgery?

When conservative, medicinal, and non-surgical treatments fail and pain persists, plantar fasciitis surgery is often necessary.

Three different methods of surgery exist for plantar fasciitis. Dr. Bhalja will assess which is best suited for you.

• Open Surgery:
  In the first choice, called open surgery, a regional block and IV sedation are administered and a one or two-inch incision is made to access the plantar fascia in order to detach it from the heel bone.
• Endoscopic Surgery
  Alternatively, endoscopic surgery can be done under local anesthesia. In this procedure, two smaller incisions are made on the underside of the foot in order to allow for the insertion of a camera and a small knife. Your surgeon will use the visual insight provided by the camera to guide her use of the tiny knife used to release the plantar fascia.
• Plantar Fascia Release
  Plantar fascia release involves making small cuts into a small fraction of the fibers that make up the fascia. This releases the tension in the ligament. Thus, a minimally invasive approach is possible that includes less post-operative pain and faster healing with a small surgical scar.

Plantar Fasciitis Surgery Recovery

Plantar fasciitis surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means it can be done at our office and you can return home shortly after it and are not required to spend the night in a hospital or recovery center. You should expect moderate pain and discomfort for 24 to 48 hours after surgery. This pain is easily managed with pain medication.

Depending on whether you had open or endoscopic surgery to treat your plantar fasciitis, additional recovery gear will be provided. Most patients will be walking again within a few to several days after surgery, with full recovery usually accomplished in 3 to 6 weeks for endoscopic surgery, and 6 to 10 weeks for open surgery.

Dr. Bhalja, our expert plantar fasciitis specialist in NYC, will evaluate your foot and will provide you a definitive diagnosis and treatment options.