Question
Dear Dr. Tsatsos,

I suffer from chronic planter fasiciitis in both feet. I have tried all the conventional treatments to no avail. In September I underwent an Endoscopic Planter Fascia Release on my right foot. Since the surgery I have experience severe pain which is far worse then the pain I had before surgery. I am unable to exercise and some days it is a real struggle to put any weight on my foot. I have tried everything; ice, heat, night splints,cortisone injections, walking boot, Meloxicam and tylenol.  Is there anything else that I can do to control the pain? Am I stuck with this issue forever? What should I be asking My surgeon?
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely Jo-ann  

Answer
This Chicago & Elmhurst says.....

The only logical reason for foot pain would be if you are overweight or you stand all day. Those forces can increase healing time from 2-3 months up to 6 months or longer-since cutting the fascia may put additional pressure on other areas of the foot.
I hate to say this but you need a hands-on second opinion since your surgeon is unable to give you an answer you can understand. Unfortunately there can be side effects from these kinds of surgeries and your surgeon needs to know these and be able to explain them to you and give you options.
We do these kinds of second opinions and treatments and do take most out of state insurance plans. Come visit us in Chicago-we are close to both airports. Less than 45 minutes away.
 In the meantime you can try a good arch wrap,SOFT inserts/orthotics with a bit of a heel lift. and sometimes physical therapy consisting of ultrasound 3 times a week times for about 4 weeks. Check out our website store at AnkleNFoot.com for examples of wraps and arch supports
The heat will not work. Anti-inflamatories need to be max dose-if your stomach can take it.Tylenol doesn't work for these kinds of pains. And icing may work if you are able to ice it to the point where it burns from the ice and then becomes numb from the cold( that is therapeutic and takes about 15 minutes of ice water application). Be careful with your skin and make sure you don't have any circulation problems.
Can't help more since this is almost a second opinion and I need to be professional and have ALL DATA in front of me to be able to help more



Hope this helps!
Good Luck My Friend!

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

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