Plantar fasciitis surgery is sometimes recommended to treat this common foot condition. Patients who are experiencing foot pain in Hampton, Newport News, or Williamsburg, Virginia, are welcome to consult with Dr. Paul Maloof, the highly specialized orthopaedic foot surgeon at Tidewater Orthopaedics. To provide comprehensive patient care, Dr. Maloof works closely with an extraordinary team of in-house physical therapists who have received advanced training in the treatment of foot conditions, including painful plantar fasciitis.
The plantar fascia is a long, thin ligament that lies directly under the skin at the bottom of the foot. As the connector between the heel and the forefoot, the main function of the plantar fascia is to support the arch of the foot. Due to the ongoing wear and tear associated with daily activity, this ligament is subjected to a considerable amount of stress. Additionally, the plantar fascia can lose elasticity as a result of the natural aging process, making it even more susceptible to irritation and inflammation over time. Other factors that can increase the pressure on the plantar fascia and lead to a need for plantar fasciitis surgery include:
In most cases, plantar fasciitis will resolve on its own without the need for plantar fasciitis surgery. For instance, regular stretching of the plantar fascia is helpful for both prevention and treatment purposes, and splints worn at night can effectively stretch the plantar fascia during sleep. Other approaches that many patients find effective include custom orthotics designed to reduce excessive pronation, soft silicone heel pads, and supportive shoes with thick soles and extra cushioning, which can reduce tension and lessen the micro-trauma that occurs with every step.
In the event that plantar fasciitis surgery becomes necessary, Dr. Maloof can help. He operates in the only dedicated orthopaedic hospital in the Hampton Roads area, the Orthopaedic Hospital at Sentara CarePlex. Because the hospital treats orthopaedic patients exclusively, each of its state-of-the-art operating rooms is specially fitted for orthopaedic surgery and is staffed by personnel who focus solely on orthopaedic cases. It is well established that hospitals that specialize in a specific area typically have better patient outcomes.
To speak with an orthopaedic expert about plantar fasciitis surgery and other treatment options available at our Hampton and Williamsburg, VA, locations, call Tidewater Orthopaedics at (757) 276-3743 today.