About Plantar Fasciotomy
Key Highlights
-
Provides definitive relief from chronic heel pain when conservative treatments fail.Minimally invasive techniques (often endoscopic) lead to smaller incisions and less scarring.Performed by pediatric specialists who understand growing bones and anatomy.Aims to restore normal foot function and allow a return to sports and daily activities.Typically an outpatient procedure with a relatively short surgical time.
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe, chronic plantar fasciitis in a child or adolescent lasting more than 6-12 months.
- Failure to respond to a comprehensive regimen of rest, ice, stretching, physical therapy, and orthotics.
- Pain that significantly limits walking, participation in sports, or daily activities.
- Presence of a heel spur causing persistent irritation, though the spur itself is rarely removed in children.
- Diagnosis confirmed by physical exam and sometimes imaging (X-ray, ultrasound) to rule out other causes.
How to prepare
- Complete a thorough pre-operative evaluation, including medical history and physical exam.
- Stop certain medications (like NSAIDs or blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon.
- Arrange for transportation home after the outpatient procedure.
- Follow fasting instructions (typically no food or drink after midnight before surgery).
- Discuss the procedure, risks, and recovery plan in detail with the pediatric orthopedic surgeon and anesthesiologist.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the incision site.
- Bleeding or hematoma formation.
- Nerve injury leading to numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation.
- Incomplete relief of pain or recurrence of symptoms.
- Risks associated with anesthesia.
- Rare complications like arch strain or stress fracture.
- Potential for over-release of the fascia leading to arch collapse (very rare in pediatric cases).
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial rest with the foot elevated to reduce swelling for the first 48-72 hours.
- Use of a post-operative shoe, boot, or crutches as directed to limit weight-bearing.
- Keep the surgical site clean and dry; follow specific wound care instructions.
- Manage pain with prescribed or recommended medications.
- Begin gentle stretching and physical therapy exercises as approved by the surgeon, typically after 1-2 weeks.
- Gradual return to normal footwear and activities over several weeks, with full recovery and return to sports often taking 2-3 months.
-
Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (Typically outpatient)
-
Expected recovery time: 6-8 weeks for basic activities, 3-4 months for full sports
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering plantar fasciotomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform plantar fasciotomy. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for plantar fasciotomy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 45 Thousand – 120 Thousand | 0-1 days (Typically outpatient) | ~ 6-8 weeks for basic activities, 3-4 months for full sports | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 158 Thousand – 420 Thousand | 0-1 days (Typically outpatient) | ~ 6-8 weeks for basic activities, 3-4 months for full sports | Know More |
Rahul Saxena, a 14-year-old dedicated classical...
Rahul Saxena, a 14-year-old dedicated classical dancer specializing in Kathak, had been struggling with persistent, sharp heel pain for over a year. The pain was worst with his first steps in the morning and after long practice sessions. Despite months of rest, physical therapy, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications, his pain persisted, threatening his ability to perform and compete. His pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Mehta, explained that Rahul's intense, repetitive foot impact had led to a chronic, thickened plantar fascia that wasn't responding to conservative care. A minimally invasive plantar fasciotomy was recommended to release the tight tissue. Rahul was anxious about surgery and the potential impact on his dance future. The procedure was quick, done under light sedation. The initial week of recovery on crutches was frustrating, but he diligently followed his physical therapy regimen. Within 8 weeks, he was back to light practice, and by 4 months, he was pain-free and performing fully. Emotionally, he journeyed from fear and frustration to immense relief and gratitude, feeling he had regained control of his passion and his future.
Pediatric Orthopedics for Plantar Fasciotomy
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform plantar fasciotomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata