Personal stories about surgery for plantar fasciitis

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Personal stories about surgery for plantar fasciitis

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

John, age 37: I know that I am not the kind of person who can completely stop running for as long as it would take to heal my plantar fasciitis. The nonsurgical treatments, like ice and my night splint, help relieve the pain, but the problem isn't getting any better. I know there are risks involved in having surgery, and I'm willing to accept that chance if I can keep running. My doctor has done a lot of plantar fascia surgery, and she says that I will probably be able to run again within a few weeks.

Tomas, age 50: I have been thinking of looking for a different job for several years now. Right now, I am on my feet all day and I've gradually developed a lot of heel pain that my doctor says is due to plantar fasciitis. She says it may be related to the fact that I stand all day at work. I really don't want to have surgery, so I'm going to try some of the treatments she suggested while I look for another job that won't require me to stand all day.

Mary Ann, age 45: I feel like I have given all the plantar fasciitis treatments a fair trial. I've had the problem for over a year now, and even though it has gotten a little better, the pain still interferes with my ability to walk or stand comfortably for very long. I'm no athlete, but I want to be able to walk comfortably. I heard that most people have less pain after surgery, so that's my next step.

Kate, age 47: It is ironic that my plantar fasciitis didn't start until I started walking as part of my weight-loss program. Losing weight is supposed to help plantar fasciitis! My doctor said it isn't unusual for people like me, who have been inactive for a long time, to get heel pain when they start to exercise. He recommended some home treatments, like stretching, icing my foot, and doing another form of exercise such as riding a stationary bicycle, while still working to lose weight. It's been over 6 months, and my foot is definitely getting better, but slowly. But the fact that it is improving gives me hope that I can avoid surgery.

Credits

Last updated:	July 23, 2007
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, Barry L. Scurran, DPM - Podiatric Surgery
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman