Plantar Fascia release procedure

a plantar fascia release is a minor surgical procedure which releases the medial band of the fascia, which is responsible for the bulk of the tension and pain in the heel.

Dr Mitchell Anderson, along with foot and ankle surgeon, Mr Paul Rice, developed this procedure which has seen rates of improvement in the pain of 80-85% 6 weeks after the procedure (Philpott et al 2021).

 Experience:

Dr Anderson has a wide set of skills and experience in procedural work. Dr Anderson is a registered Medical Doctor, Physiotherapist and holds a Diploma of Surgical Anatomy. He has performed over 2000 plantar fascia release procedures in his rooms and has assisted in over 5000 foot and ankle surgical procedures in hospitals.

 Clinical Study:

Dr Anderson, in conjunction with Melbourne Orthopaedic Group (MOG) have undertook a clinical study, titled “Percutaneous Needle Fasciotomy for Chronic Plantar Heel Pain”, which details the procedure and the conclusions.

Given the success of this novel treatment, which can be undertaken in Dr Anderson’s rooms and is less invasive, more effective, and cheaper than existing endoscopic or open operative intervention, Dr Anderson and MOG will continue to conduct research and further to their original clinical study.

 Risks:

The risks for the procedure are low, below is a non-exhaustive list of the main risks:

-          Bleeding, (which could result in a small lump under injection site)

-          Infections

-          Avascular necrosis due to steroid use (1/10000 risk)

-          Bruising

-          Swelling

-          Incomplete resolution of the fasciitis

-          <0.5% risk of a fibroid forming in the arch of the foot in the weeks after the procedure

-          Nerve Damage

Costs:

Initial consultation - $225.50

Standard consultation/ follow-up $137.50

Plantar fascia procedure - $395

A rebate for the consultation with Dr Anderson can be received through your private health provider, or with a Chronic Disease Management plan (previously known as Enhanced Primary Care or EPC) provided by your GP.

You cannot receive a rebate for the cost of the procedure.

Post Plantar Release Protocol:

0-72 hrs:

1. Goal - to avoid lump (haematoma, fibroma) by;

   • RICCE (rest, ice, compression, crutches, elevation)

   • Soft tissue massage; calf/peroneals, tib post & releases of intrinsic foot muscle tightness with trigger pointing

   • Pain relief medication

2. Expectation- what does normal look like?

   • pain

   • swelling

   • redness over release site

3. Concerns - things to watch out for:

   • tib post

   • lateral column (cuboid/4th/5th