Hunterdon Podiatric Medicine

Hunterdon Podiatric Medicine offers a range of services to meet your podiatric needs. Our services include treatment for:

• Achilles rupture
• Achilles tendonitis
• Ankle fractures
• Ankle sprains
• Arthritis (big toe arthritis, hallux limitus, etc.)
• Bunions
• Corns and calluses
• Diabetic foot care
• Foot/ankle trauma
• Gout
• Hammertoes
• Heel pain
• Ingrown toenails
• Ligament repair
• Nail damage
• Nail fungus (laser treatment)
• Neuroma
• Neuropathy
• Orthotics/bracing
• Pediatrics
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Revision surgery/scond opinion
• Sports injuries and ankle pain
• Tendonitis (and repair)
• Wart and plantar wart removal
• Wound care

What is Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy?
Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy is used for the correction of Heel Spur Syndrome and Plantar Fasciitis. The technique allows for a quick recovery and a faster return to normal activity. The procedure is performed by utilizing specially designed instruments that allow the surgeon to directly visualize the foot structures on a video screen. It involves an outpatient surgical visit that takes approximately 15-20 minutes and only requires two small incisions.

What is Heel Spur Syndrome?
It is often described as a “stone bruise” by the patient. Pain is usually worse in the morning, especially the first several steps, or when first standing after periods of rest. As the pain worsens, the heel can hurt even while not weight-bearing.

What Causes It?
There is a dense fibrous band of tissue in the bottom of the foot known as the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia inserts into the heel bone and spreads out into the foot. Studies have proven that the actual “spur” is formed over a long period of time because of constant pulling. The injury produces inflammation, pain, and the inability to bear weight on the heel comfortably.

How is this procedure different?
In Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy, two small incisions are made to release the tight fascial band attached to the heel bone. This surgical release immediately eliminates the inflammation area of the “spur” and normal foot function can return. With the endoscopic procedure, it is not necessary to make a large incision. It is not necessary to remove the “spur” tissue in order to relieve the pain.

Am I a Candidate for this Procedure?
If you have failed to obtain complete relief of heel pain symptoms with the use of conservative treatments such as taping, orthotics, cortisone injections, oral medication or physical therapy, then you may benefit from an Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy. A complete evaluation and discussion with our physicians will help determine your best options.

What are the Expected Results?
Most patients return to their regular shoes in 3-5 days. Everyone heals slightly differently. Other factors such as age, weight, and occupation can contribute to healing times.

Whether you are on the community softball team or training for the Olympics, Hunterdon Podiatric Medicine can treat you for any type of problem.