The most common diagnosis that we see in our practice is heel pain most commonly plantar fasciitis. In the chronic form we refer this as "Plantar Fasciosis." Plantar fasciosis can be unresponsive to conservative treatment such as NSAIDS, cortisone injections, custom orthotics, PT, tapings, shoe gear changes, and night splints.
WHEN HEEL PAIN REACHES THIS RECALCITRANT STATE TREATMENT MUST BE REFOCUSED FROM DECREASING INFLAMMATION TO STIMULATING IT.
In years past chronic heel pain was treated with releasing the plantar fascia. Dr. Brown and Dr. Saffer are trained on utilizing lesser invasive techniques to keep the anatomy intact and get you back on your feet faster.
The minimally invasive technique that Dr. Brown and Dr. Saffer use is called Topaz for chronic plantar fasciosis. This procedure uses a small Coblation wand into the plantar fascia through multiple pin size areas of the heel. The procedure focus is on increasing vascularity (blood supply) and cell proliferation to promote healing of the plantar fascia. The procedure takes 20 minutes under IV sedation/local anesthesia. This procedure involves no sutures and weight bearing can be tolerated the day of the procedure. We typically place patient in a walking boot for one week then progress into a sneaker.
Dr. Brown and Dr. Saffer use this surgical technique only after all conservative treatment has been exhausted. Minimal to no complications are involved with this procedure because it is so minimally invasive. We typically see about 70-80% resolution/decreasing symptoms in our patients. The procedure is covered by insurance and affords patients minimal down time with work.
To view this procedure please refer to the link below from one of our Podiatric colleagues in Chicago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca4lYQUr6jI
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