Stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot when you wake up is often a sign of plantar fasciitis. This is due to inflammation on the bottom of the foot and is popularly known as ‘heel spur syndrome.’ As the heel bone tries to mend itself, spurs can form in response to activities that cause excessive stress and pressure from being overweight or wearing poorly fitting shoes. Not all, but some patients with plantar fasciitis will demonstrate a heel spur on an x-ray.

In the past, many surgeries targeted the removal of the bone spur. As the cause of the pain has been better understood, both open and endoscopic approaches have been developed to accomplish plantar fascial release. The podiatrist performing the procedure will determine whether the bone spur should be removed at the time of the plantar fascia surgery.

During the plantar release surgery, the portion of the problematic tissue responsible for the pain is removed.

After plantar fascia release surgery, a gauze dressing is applied, and the patient is placed in a post-operative shoe or cast. Most patients can walk on their feet immediately, but activities should be very limited for the first week.

Plantar Fascia Release

Conditions And Treatments

Main conditions

Main treatments