Bone & Joint Staff • April 5, 2024
Severe Plantar Fasciitis: When is Surgery the Best Option?

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes pain and swelling in the bottom of the foot, stretching from the heel to the toes. Most people find relief through simple treatments like rest, foot stretches, and shoe inserts. However, for those with severe and persistent pain, surgery may become necessary.


When is Surgery Necessary for Plantar Fasciitis?

Surgery is typically considered a last resort when all other treatments for plantar fasciitis have failed to provide relief. It's essential for individuals suffering from severe plantar fasciitis to exhaust all non-surgical treatments in consultation with a podiatric specialist before considering surgical intervention. These treatments can include:


  • Rest and ice
  • Physical therapy
  • Cortisone injections
  • Night splints
  • Supportive shoes
  • Activity modification


Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy Surgery in Baton Rouge

One of the most common surgical procedures for plantar fasciitis is endoscopic plantar fasciotomy (EPF). During this roughly 15 - 20-minute outpatient procedure, the surgeon cuts the plantar fascia ligament to relieve tension and reduce inflammation. Following the procedure, patients undergo a gradual healing process and should be able to return to normal, unrestricted activity within ten weeks. EPF has a success rate of about 90 percent.


Before determining if surgery is the right option, carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks with your orthopedic specialist. Below are a few factors to consider:


  • Severity of symptoms – Severe pain, inability to perform daily activities, and persistent symptoms despite non-surgical treatments may indicate the need for surgical intervention.
  • Impact on quality of life – If plantar fasciitis significantly affects a person's ability to work, exercise, or engage in recreational activities, surgery may be a viable option to improve quality of life.
  • Lifestyle considerations – Surgery may require a period of immobilization and rehabilitation, which can briefly disrupt daily routines and activities. Patients should consider how the surgery will fit into their lifestyle and responsibilities.


Consulting with a qualified podiatrist or orthopedic specialist with expertise in foot and ankle disorders is essential for deciding whether surgery is the right option for severe plantar fasciitis cases.


Treating Plantar Fasciitis in Baton Rouge

From cortisone injections to custom orthotics to surgery, an orthopedic foot and ankle specialist is the most qualified to relieve plantar fasciitis. If you believe that you are suffering from the condition and would like to explore treatment options, including potential surgery, contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge and request an appointment with one of our highly skilled physicians.

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By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff April 1, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Christopher Belleau is transitioning to The Neuromedical Center in Baton Rouge.  Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
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By The Bone & Joint Clinic March 10, 2025
Dr. Gerard Murtagh will retire from Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge on March 12, 2025, after a long and distinguished career dedicated to advancing orthopedic surgery.
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By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff February 12, 2025
Sometimes, joint replacement is the best course of action, even when conservative measures like medicine, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes might be helpful. Knowing when a joint replacement is necessary can help you take prompt action and improve your quality of life.
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