Foot & Ankle
Plantar Fasciitis Surgery
When months of stretching, injections, and orthotics fail, minimally invasive plantar fasciotomy releases the tight band on the bottom of the foot. Heel pain typically eases in weeks and most patients walk the same day.
AVERAGE PROCEDURE TIME
20 to 45 minutes
Anesthesia
Sedation with ankle block
Recovery
Same day, walk out
Ride home
Required if you receive sedation
Overview
When at least six months of stretching, orthotics, night splints, and injections have failed, a partial release of the plantar fascia relieves the traction causing heel pain.
Minimally invasive technique means a small incision, no hardware, and early weight bearing.
Is this right for me?
Candidacy is confirmed after a review of your history, imaging, and medications. Patients we most often treat include those with:
- Heel pain worst with the first steps of the day
- Failure of six or more months of conservative treatment
- Focal tenderness at the fascia insertion
- Imaging showing fascial thickening
What to expect, step by step
Arrival and preparation
You check in with a coordinator, change into a gown, and meet your nurse. Vitals are taken, an IV is started if needed, and your care team reviews the plan and answers questions with your caregiver present.
Partial release
A portion of the medial fascia band is released through a small incision, preserving arch support.
Spur or nerve attention
A prominent spur or an entrapped nerve branch is addressed in the same setting when present.
Recovery suite
You rest in a private recovery bay while your nurse monitors vitals and comfort. Written instructions are reviewed with you and your caregiver before discharge.
Home the same day
A caregiver drives you home. A member of our team calls the next business day to check on you and confirm your follow-up appointment.
Recovery
Walk in a supportive boot or surgical shoe for two weeks, then transition to athletic shoes with an orthotic.
Most patients notice clear improvement by six weeks and full relief by three months.
Risks and what we watch for
Every procedure carries risk. These are the ones we discuss most often for this procedure.
- Bleeding, bruising, or soreness at the access site or incision
- Infection, which is why sterile technique and, when indicated, antibiotics are used
- Reaction to sedation, anesthesia, or contrast dye, monitored continuously by your anesthesia provider
- Incomplete relief of symptoms, or symptoms that return over time
- The need for additional treatment, imaging, or a different procedure
- Rarely, a complication serious enough to require a higher level of care than an outpatient setting provides
We review these with you in detail before you consent, and you can change your mind at any point.
Coverage note
We verify your benefits and give you a written estimate before scheduling.
Prepare for this procedure
- Before your surgery
- The day of your procedure
- Anesthesia and sedation
- Recovery at home and when to call
Frequently asked questions
Should I try embolization first?
Many patients prefer foot artery embolization because nothing is cut. Both options are reviewed with you.
Will my arch collapse?
No. Only a portion of the fascia is released, preserving the structural support of the arch.
Is plantar fasciotomy done as an outpatient procedure?
Yes. It is performed at our ACHC-accredited ambulatory surgery center in The Woodlands, minutes from Tomball and Spring, and patients go home the same day with a caregiver.
Will my insurance cover it?
Coverage depends on your specific plan and benefits. Our team verifies your benefits and gives you a written estimate before anything is scheduled.
Do you offer Spanish-speaking support?
Yes. Bilingual English and Spanish coordination is available from your first call through recovery instructions and follow-up.
