Gastrocnemius recession for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis in overweight and obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Plantar fasciitis is a common foot pathology that is typically treated non-operatively. However, a minority of patients fail non-operative management, develop chronic symptoms, and request a surgical option. Gastrocnemius recession has recently been shown to be effective for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. The purpose of this paper is to present evidence that gastrocnemius recession is safe and effective in the subset of chronic plantar fasciitis patients who are overweight and obese.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 18 cases (17 patients) of chronic plantar fasciitis in overweight or obese patients who underwent gastrocnemius recession (mean age=46years, mean body mass index=34.7kg/m2 , mean follow-up=20months). Data was gathered regarding pre-operative and post-operative pain (visual analog scale, 0-10), Foot Function Index score, and complications.

RESULTS: Mean Foot Function Index score improved from 66.4 (range, 32.3-97.7) preoperatively to 26.5 (range, 0-89.4) postoperatively (p<0.01). Mean pain score improved from 8.3 (range, 5-10) preoperatively to 2.4 (range, 0-7) at final follow-up (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: Gastrocnemius recession improved foot function and pain symptoms in overweight and obese patients with chronic plantar fasciitis.