ENDOSCOPIC PLANTAR FASCIOTOMY
Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy

Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy (EPF)
for Midland, Odessa, Pecos, Andrews & Big Spring, TX

If all non-surgical treatments have been tried and failed, surgery may be recommended. The EPF technique is minimally invasive and releases a portion of the tight plantar fascia. More than 1 million of these procedures have been performed since its development in 1990. An endoscope is used — a small instrument that allows the surgeon to see “anatomy” inside the body — when used in joints, it is called an “arthroscope.” By using a very small incision of less than ½”, the new procedure releases the extreme tension on the plantar fascia, which is the cause of the pain in most cases. All of this is monitored by the surgeon on a television screen. The procedure itself typically takes less than 10 minutes using a local anesthetic. A sterile dressing is worn for about 3 days and then the patient is usually allowed to begin wearing shoes normally again. Minimal loss of work is incurred. 

Contact Our Podiatrist Today for a Heel Pain Treatment Appointment!

The older, more traditional heel spur surgery requires a large incision across the inner side of the heel and outpatient hospitalization. A painful recovery period of 4-6 weeks with a slow return to soft shoes after 2-4 weeks is standard. Often, patients miss many weeks of work and are unable to put weight on the heel during recovery. Please note that most heel pain can be treated effectively without the use of surgery. Such procedures like heel pain treatment, and heel spur treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication, a tape strapping of the foot to relieve pressure on the ligament, and in-shoe support to further deflect the pressure away from the spur area.


At West Texas Foot and Ankle Associates, our podiatrist will make sure you get the right treatment for your needs. Contact our offices today to learn more about the EPF technique or to schedule an appointment! Our team is proud to serve patients throughout the Midland, Odessa, Pecos, Andrews & Big Spring, TX area.

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