What to expect from plantar fascia release for plantar fasciitis

The operation releases part of the band of tissue beneath the foot to reduce tension around the heel. Your surgeon will explain the incision, anaesthetic, dressing and whether a boot or other support is needed. Early recovery commonly prioritises keeping the wound clean and dry, controlling swelling, and placing only the amount of weight advised. As healing progresses, rehabilitation may address ankle and toe movement, calf flexibility, foot strength, balance and walking pattern. Improvement is gradual and the heel may remain sensitive while tissues settle.

Follow the written instructions for dressing changes, bathing, elevation and permitted weight-bearing. Use crutches or a boot exactly as demonstrated, rather than changing support because the foot feels better on one day. Keep follow-up appointments so the wound, sensation, walking pattern and exercise plan can be checked. Wear footwear recommended by your care team when you progress to shoes. Avoid stretching or impact exercises until the incision and foot have been assessed. Tell the team about persistent burning, altered sensation or pain that is becoming harder to control.

Contact the surgical team promptly for spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, wound separation, fever, or swelling that suddenly worsens. Seek urgent care for severe calf pain or swelling, chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or a foot that becomes cold, pale or numb. A new inability to move the toes also needs urgent assessment. Do not remove a dressing or increase walking to investigate a worrying change unless your clinician tells you to do so.

Ask when the dressing and stitches will be reviewed, how much weight you may place on the foot, which pain and swelling measures are suitable, and when physiotherapy begins. Clarify which footwear, driving tasks and work duties should wait for review.