Plantar fascia release is a last-resort operation, considered only after at least 12 months of conservative treatment have failed. This guide covers what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
ℹ️ This appointment usually takes place 2-4 weeks before surgery. It is a chance for the team to check you are fit and ready, and for you to ask any questions.
At your pre-assessment you will meet members of the nursing and anaesthetic team. Routine checks are carried out and your questions answered before the day of surgery.
Routine tests to check your general health and heart function before anaesthesia.
Baseline measurements taken by the nursing team.
All current medications are reviewed. Blood thinners such as warfarin, apixaban, clopidogrel, or aspirin may need to be paused before surgery.
Plantar fascia release can be performed under general anaesthesia, regional ankle block, or local anaesthesia with sedation.
Stopping smoking before surgery significantly reduces the risk of wound complications and improves healing.
ℹ️ You will be given a specific arrival time. Do not eat or drink (other than clear water up to 2 hours before) from midnight the night before. Bring your medication list and any documents sent by the hospital.
You will be admitted to the ward or day surgery unit, change into a gown, and be seen by the nursing, anaesthetic, and surgical teams before theatre.
Your surgeon will confirm the procedure, mark the operative side, and you will sign a consent form before going to theatre.
You will meet the anaesthetist in the anaesthetic room. Once anaesthesia is established, the procedure will begin.
After surgery you will wake in the recovery room where nurses monitor your vital signs until you are stable and comfortable.
Most foot and ankle surgery is performed as a day case, meaning you go home the same day. More complex procedures such as ankle replacement or flat foot reconstruction usually require 1-3 nights in hospital. Before discharge, the team will check your pain is controlled, give you wound care instructions, and confirm your follow-up appointment.
You will be given oral pain relief before discharge. Take it regularly for the first 48 hours rather than waiting until pain is severe.
A nurse will check the wound before you leave and explain how to keep it clean and dry.
You will be shown how to use crutches and given clear instructions about weight-bearing on your operated foot.
You will receive a letter for your GP and details of your next outpatient appointment, usually at 2 weeks for a wound check.
Arrange for a family member or friend to collect you. You must not drive after a general anaesthetic or sedation.
⚠️ Important: Plantar fascia release alters foot mechanics and is irreversible. Complications include arch collapse, lateral foot pain, and incomplete relief. Consider the risks carefully before proceeding.
Keep the foot elevated above the level of your heart for as much of the day as possible during the first 2 weeks. This significantly reduces swelling and helps healing.
Avoid getting the wound wet until it is fully healed, usually 10-14 days. Use a waterproof cover when showering.
Do not wait until pain is severe before taking medication. Regular simple analgesia (paracetamol, ibuprofen if appropriate) is more effective than taking it only when needed.
This is usually 2 weeks after surgery. Sutures or clips will be removed if used.
Seek urgent advice if you develop increasing redness, warmth, swelling, discharge from the wound, calf pain or swelling (possible DVT), shortness of breath, or a temperature above 38°C.
Foot is wrapped in a bandage or post-operative shoe. Walking with crutches and partial weight-bearing as comfort allows.
Stitches removed at 2 weeks. Progressive weight-bearing in a supportive shoe.
Most patients return to normal walking, with stretching and strengthening exercises guided by physiotherapy.
Running and sport-specific activity gradually reintroduced as tolerated.
Most surgeons use a soft bandage or post-operative shoe rather than a cast. Full immobilisation is rarely required.
Not usually. The spur itself is not the cause of pain and is generally left alone. Some surgeons may remove it if it is very prominent.
Sedentary work: 1-2 weeks. Standing or manual work: 4-8 weeks. Discuss with your surgeon.
Around 70-80% of patients have good results. Recovery is gradual, and full benefit may take several months to be apparent.
Plain-English answers to the things people most often ask, grounded in published guidance. Tap a question to open it.
Only for severe, long-standing plantar fasciitis, often present for more than a year, that has not responded to thorough non-surgical treatment.
The vast majority of people never need an operation.
A partial release of the plantar fascia, sometimes combined with a calf-lengthening (gastrocnemius recession) where calf tightness is contributing.
Your surgeon will explain which applies to you.
Usually a general or regional anaesthetic, often as a day case.
A foot or ankle block may be used for pain relief.
Expect a boot or limited weight-bearing then a gradual return. The full benefit can take several months to show.
Patience is needed after this operation.
Surgery helps many people but is not guaranteed, which is why it is kept as a last resort after non-surgical care.
Realistic expectations are important.
Wound problems, a temperature, or calf or chest symptoms need prompt help.
Elevation helps reduce swelling early on.