Plantar fasciitis surgery is recommended by a doctor only in cases of severe pain and inflammation. In most cases, the symptoms can be treated with the conventional method of treatment. More than ninety-five percent of the people are cured of the problem through non-surgical treatments such as rest, ice massaging, stretching and strengthening exercises, shoe inserts, night splints and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Surgery for plantar fasciitis is considered as a last alternative only after all other methods of conventional treatment have failed. The patient may go for surgery if the pain persists for more than eight to twelve months and is severely affecting his/her ability to work and participate in any athletic activity.

In a majority of the cases, surgery provides relief to the patient. The surgery takes less than an hour to complete and is performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The procedure involves removal or release of the inflamed tissue from the heel bone by making an incision on the inside of the heel. It generally takes six to ten weeks for the patient to recover and resume walking. However, participating in athletic activities may take more time.

Sometimes complications may occur as a result of surgery. Since surgery involves release of plantar fascia from the heel bone, too much release may lead to the collapse of the arch, resulting in flat feet, further worsening the problem for the patient. Also, the nerves running alongside the plantar fascia may get damaged during surgery causing pain and numbness in the patient's feet. Sometimes, patients may suffer from infection for a longer period of time after the surgery, requiring additional treatment or further surgery to treat the infection.

Surgery must always be considered as a last resort. The patient must fully try to understand the benefits and potential risks associated with surgery.