Dorsal heel spur surgery is a procedure that alleviates irritating symptoms caused by heel spurs that develop on the back of the heel bone. When home remedies and conservative treatments don’t show any positive results, surgery becomes an option that can provide patients with much-needed relief. Here, you can gain a better understanding of what one can expect from this kind of procedure.
Dorsal heel spur or calcaneal spur surgery provides positive results in removing the bony growth, smoothing the patient’s heel bone, and separating the ligament called plantar fascia from the bone. With a minimally invasive procedure, the patient can expect to be back at work in three weeks, while a full recovery is expected after three to six months.
What Does the Procedure Look Like?
The procedure of removing the dorsal bone spur is not performed without first examining detailed imaging. The surgeon needs to know what the bony growth looks like, what size it is, and where it is located. The imaging study allows the surgeon to see whether a tendon is jeopardized as well.
Once all information is gathered, an open operation or an endoscopic surgery can be performed. In case of endoscopic surgery, a smaller incision is made so that the bony protrusion is cut off, the heel bone smoothed, and the plantar fascia ligament cut or separated.
What Should You Expect During the Post-Operative Care and Recovery?
Each patient has a different degree of deformity. Severe cases can expect to go through a longer recovery. Once the operation is performed, the leg needs to be elevated, and the patient should rest.
As time goes by, the strength and function of the foot will return, and the patient will be advised to use crutches or a surgical boot for going back to work early. Using ice packs and prescribed medications is recommended only during the first weeks of recovery. Of course, it’s not recommended to wash the foot or get a pedicure right after the surgery.
What Are the Potential Complications?
Even though the number of patients who experience complications after this surgery is low, there are still risks that need to be mentioned. Here are a couple of post-op complications to know of:
- Blood clots,
- Nerve pain,
- Temporary or permanent pain,
- Heel fracture,
- Infection,
- Alterations in the foot’s structure.
When Should You Start Physical Therapy or Rehabilitation Protocols?
After successful foot surgery, the rehabilitation process should begin three days post-op. The patient will inform the doctor of the improvements and limitations. Gentle exercises are recommended during the first few weeks. During the second month of the recovery, physical therapy exercises to tone the muscles are introduced.
What Are the Benefits of Dorsal Heel Spur Surgery?
One thing is for sure – people experience a significant improvement in their quality of life after this procedure. Once the full recovery is over after six months, the patient should expect:
- Walking, running, and standing without pain,
- Avoiding postural deformities,
- No inflammation or chronic plantar fasciitis,
- Regaining full range of motion in the foot.
What’s The Average Cost of This Procedure?
The expenses associated with dorsal heel spur surgery typically fall in the range of $4,000 to $10,000. The insurance coverage could affect the overall out-of-pocket costs as well as the specific surgical procedure that is required, the medical facility chosen for the operation, and the surgeon’s charges.
Discuss With Your Doctor in Miami Dorsal Heel Spur Surgery
Place yourself in the capable hands of a doctor at Luxe Foot Surgery clinic in Miami. Have a consultation about the condition that has been affecting the quality of your life. Gain a better understanding of the surgical procedure and the recovery process. We can ensure that you gain the feel in your feet that would not cause any discomfort any longer. Contact us right away and schedule an appointment.
References
- Sports- Health: The 2 Common Types of Heel Spurs
- Cleveland Clinic: Heel Spurs
- Foot Pain Explored: Foot & Heel Bone Spurs
