Heel Pain That Won't Go Away: Understanding When Conservative Treatment Fails and Surgery Becomes an Option
Nobody should dread getting out of bed because their feet hurt. But here you are, you've done the stretches, bought proper shoes, iced your heel till it was numb, and the pain's still there. Just walking to your kitchen feels like you're stepping on broken glass.
The thing is, roughly 10% of people end up dealing with plantar fasciitis at some stage. For most folks, simple treatments work fine. But there's always that unlucky bunch who try absolutely everything their doctor suggests and months later, they're still limping around. Sound familiar? Well, there's more that can be done.
Here at Shree Siddhivinayak Multispeciality Hospital, our heel pain hospital in Mira Road, we meet loads of patients who've been putting up with this rubbish for far too long. Our chronic heel pain specialists get it. They know how maddening it is when nothing seems to help.
Occasionally the usual does not work and that is where such interventions asheel replacement surgery come into the picture. We will discuss the ways to understand when it makes sense to use surgery, what to pay attention to and how these operations contribute to the improvement of things.
When Does Conservative Treatment Stop Working?
Allow six months to one year, that is the approximate timeframe that heel pain requires, which are physio, orthotics, pain medication, and stretches daily. However, sometimes the pain simply burrows its heels in.
Have a think about whether these ring true for you:
You have been fighting with this pain over a year, and, frankly speaking, you are not doing better.
You can scarcely stand ten minutes without feeling that you should sit down.
Your foot every morning is as hard as concrete, and it never frees itself right.
Those steroid injections your doctor gave you helped for maybe two weeks, then boom, back to square one.
You've started avoiding things you used to enjoy because your heel's just too sore.
Ticking most of these boxes? Time to have a proper chat with a chronic heel pain specialist about other options.
What's Next for Heel Pain Treatment When Standard Stuff Doesn't Work?
When you've exhausted the usual treatments and you're still hobbling about, surgery becomes a real option. Things like heel replacement surgery or plantar fascia release basically trim away the dodgy tissue and take the strain off your heel so it can finally start healing properly.
Look, nobody wants surgery as their first choice. But sometimes it's genuinely the answer. Same way that joint replacement procedures turn life around for older patients, heel surgery can get you back to walking, working, and living your life minus the constant ache. About 75% of people who have this surgery end up telling their mates it was the right decision. Most manage to get back to their usual activities within a couple of months.
In the Shree Siddhivinayak Multispecialty Hospital, it is not about forcing anyone to do surgery. We examine your scenario appropriately, discuss what has not worked and assist you determine your next best step.
Recognising When Surgery Actually Makes Sense
Surgery's not a decision anyone makes lightly. But here's when it might genuinely be your best bet:
Pain's stuck around for nine months to a year (or longer), no matter what you've tried
Simple daily tasks leave you grimacing
Work's become harder, and you've had to give up hobbies because of the discomfort
You've honestly given everything else a proper go
Don't wait till you're completely fed up. Having a conversation with a specialist earlier rather than later means you'll know all your options and won't be deciding when you're desperate.
Why Patients Come to Shree Siddhivinayak Multispeciality Hospital
We're in Mira Road, and we've earned our reputation by actually caring about our patients. Our hospital's got proper modern operation theatres, a fully kitted ICU, and diagnostics available 24/7. Our orthopaedicians and physicians really know their stuff when it comes to tricky heel pain cases, and picking the right specialist can honestly be the difference between a good recovery and a great one.
We're not the sort of place that treats you like a number. Each and every patient receives a personalized treatment at our hospital. You may find yourself requiring surgery or simply an alternative method of dealing with your pain, we will be with you until the end.
FAQs
Heel pain hanging around past 12 months despite trying all the recommended treatments.
If pain hasn't budged after 9 to 12 months of trying everything else.
Surgeons remove damaged bits and release tension to ease pain and help movement.
Roughly 75% of patients are chuffed with the outcome and would recommend it.
Shree Siddhivinayak Multispeciality Hospital offers specialist care for stubborn heel conditions.