Question: I am a 60-year-old moderately overweight female with plantar fasciitis. I've had this condition for 10 months. What is your opinion about the effectiveness of instep plantar fasciiotomy? I've read all the online information I can find, and results seem fairly positive. On the other hand, surgery is a scary option since it is permanent.

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

I regard surgery for plantar fasciitis as an example of exchanging one problem for another. True plantar fasciitis will resolve spontaneously once the stimulus for the fasciitis (an inflammation of deep supporting tissue) has been corrected or removed. Usually conservative management is recommended, and local injection of corticosteroid medication often helps relieve discomfort. Surgery is an extreme measure, and I would regard this as an unusual procedure. Is your MRI normal? Ask your doctor whether you may have a stress fracture, as these are notorious for being difficult to detect, often have extended discomfort, but all will resolve given sufficient conservative treatment. I suggest you seek an orthopedic surgery consultation.