Plantar fasciitis is the most common type of heel pain, often brought on by a strain, weakness or inflammation due to injury.
If you aren’t familiar with the term, the plantar fascia is simply the ligament that connects your heel bone to your toes.
When this area hurts, it can really HURT.
When all other remedies such as orthotics, stretching, ice and rest fail, surgery may be your only resort.
If you are facing surgery for plantar fasciitis, please be aware of these 5 mistakes to avoid:
1. Picking the wrong podiatrist.
Picking a podiatrist is similar to picking any other type of doctor. You need to focus on who will give you the best care. That is, you want to pick someone who will listen to your issues and concerns. You want someone who will properly diagnose you. And finally, you want someone who will provide you with the correct treatments.
Surgery is a big deal. Make sure that you and your podiatrist are always on the same page. Make sure that he or she lets you know the possible consequences of the surgery and any limitations you may face after it. Also make sure that you understand the costs and payments associated with the surgery.
2. Getting surgery done when you really don’t need it.
A well-trained podiatrist will never recommend surgery without trying all non-surgical treatments first. For an issue such as plantar fasciitis, a podiatrist will most likely recommend resting the injured foot, icing the heel to reduce inflammation, stretching the foot with a night splint, wearing orthotics, and injection therapy. Keep in mind that just 5 out of 100 people end up needing surgery to fix plantar fasciitis! Therefore, the need for surgery is typically very low. Don’t get surgery unless you truly need it.
3. Not seeing a podiatrist as soon as your symptoms start.
Catching a problem with your feet as soon as it starts is key. The longer you wait to see a podiatrist, the worse something like plantar fasciitis can get. Nip the problem in the bud, and the less pain you will have in the long run.
4. Trying to resolve your foot pain issue on your own.
One of the worst mistakes foot patients make is attempting to heal their problems without seeking the advice of a podiatrist. Oftentimes patients have the wrong ideas or education about what will fix plantar fasciitis, and in turn make the issue so much worse. Always seek the care and opinion of a podiatrist when you have foot issues, no matter what they are.
5. Not following your podiatrist’s orders after surgery.
If you do in fact need surgery, it is key to follow your podiatrist’s orders afterward. Your podiatrist knows what is best for you, and will recommend the steps to take to feel better as soon as possible after surgery. If you fail to listen to your podiatrist’s orders, you risk infection, re-injury, and possibly more surgery. Do things right the first time and listen to doctor’s orders!
Do you have Plantar Fasciitis and are looking for a podiatric surgeon?
Dr. Jordan R. Stewart, DPM of the Timonium Foot and Ankle Center is Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Dr. Stewart is regarded as one of the top foot and ankle specialists in the Baltimore area.
Here is some of what one of his patients, Janet Bradley had to say about him:
“I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis in my left foot. I have never had a doctor have so much concern and such a wonderful caring nature. He and his staff take the time to answer any questions and truly take time to give you their full attention. You don’t feel like just another patient or a number. Dr. Stewart and his staff make you feel almost like family. I consider myself very lucky that I found Dr. Stewart. I will never go to anyone else for foot and ankle issues.”
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you would like to schedule an appointment to see Dr. Stewart, give his office a call at 410-560-2777 or just fill out the form on the top right of this page.