Plantar fascia release and calcaneal spur excision for sub-calcaneal heel pain

Aim of this study was to evaluate the results of open plantar fascia release and calcaneal spur excision in patients with plantar fasciitis. The author studied retrospectively the results in 16 patients who had been treated with open plantar fascia release and calcaneal spur excision from 2002 to 2008. Two patients were men and fourteen were women. Their mean age was 43.3 years (39 to 52). Based on visual analog scale the results were pain free in 12 feet and some pain in four. There are two patients with superficial skin infection which can be manage with local wound care and oral antibiotic. We conclude that open plantar fascia release and calcaneal spur excision can relieve pain in patients who resist conservative treatment.