Heel Surgery in Nassau County, NY
When heel pain persists despite months of conservative treatment, orthotics, physical therapy, cortisone injections, and shockwave therapy, surgery may be the most effective path to lasting relief. At Cherrywood Foot Care, our board-certified podiatric surgeons have performed heel surgeries for Nassau County patients for nearly 30 years. We offer the full range of heel surgical procedures, from minimally invasive endoscopic techniques to reconstructive Achilles repair, and we take the time to ensure every patient fully understands their options before proceeding.
Not sure if you need surgery? Contact us today to learn about non-surgical treatment first. Most heel conditions resolve without the need for an operating room.
When Is Heel Surgery Necessary?
Surgery is recommended only after conservative treatments have been tried consistently for at least 6–12 months without adequate relief, or when the severity of the condition makes non-surgical management impractical. Conditions that may ultimately require surgical intervention include:
- Chronic plantar fasciitis that has not responded to orthotics, physical therapy, stretching, cortisone injections, or shockwave therapy
- Severe heel spurs cause structural damage or persistent nerve compression.
- Achilles tendon tears or ruptures that cannot heal adequately with conservative management.
- Insertional Achilles tendinopathy with significant bone spur formation at the tendon attachment.
- Calcaneal (heel bone) fractures require surgical fixation.
- Heel deformities affect gait and can lead to secondary problems in the knee, hip, or lower back.
Our surgeons perform a thorough pre-surgical evaluation, including digital X-ray and diagnostic ultrasound or MRI, where indicated, to confirm the diagnosis and select the most appropriate procedure for each patient.
Heel Surgery Procedures We Perform
Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy (EPF)
EPF is the surgical treatment of choice for chronic plantar fasciitis that has failed conservative care. Using a micro-camera (endoscope) inserted through a small incision, the surgeon releases a portion of the plantar fascia to relieve tension at its attachment to the heel bone. Because EPF is minimally invasive, it offers significantly faster recovery and lower complication rates than traditional open plantar fasciotomy.
Dr. Joseph Burke has advanced training in EPF and has been performing this procedure for Nassau County patients for decades. Most patients are weight-bearing in a surgical boot within days of surgery and return to regular footwear in 3–6 weeks.
Calcaneal osteotomy
A calcaneal osteotomy involves cutting and repositioning the heel bone (calcaneus) to correct abnormal alignment that contributes to heel pain, flat foot deformity, or abnormal gait mechanics. This procedure is used when the underlying cause of heel pain is a structural problem of the heel bone rather than soft-tissue inflammation. The bone is secured in its corrected position with screws or plates and heals over 6–8 weeks.
Achilles tendon repair
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and is critical for walking, running, and climbing stairs. Surgical repair is indicated for complete Achilles tendon ruptures or for severe insertional Achilles tendinopathy, where a bone spur has formed at the tendon’s attachment to the heel, and conservative treatment has failed. Depending on the extent of damage, repair may involve direct re-attachment of the torn tendon, removal of the bone spur, or reconstruction using a tendon graft.
Haglund’s deformity correction
Haglund’s deformity is a bony enlargement at the back of the heel that causes pain and irritation at the Achilles tendon’s attachment. It is sometimes called “pump bump” because it is aggravated by rigid-backed shoes. When the prominence is large enough to cause chronic bursitis or tendon damage, surgical removal of the bony overgrowth (resection) provides permanent relief.
Heel spur resection
While most heel spurs do not require surgery, they are often present without causing pain. In cases where a spur causes direct nerve or tissue compression that has not responded to conservative care, surgical removal is an option. Resection is typically performed in conjunction with plantar fasciotomy when both conditions are present.
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Heel Surgery Procedures at a Glance
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Procedure
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What It Treats
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Typical Recovery
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Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy (EPF)
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Chronic plantar fasciitis unresponsive to conservative care
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3–6 weeks to regular shoes
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Calcaneal osteotomy
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Heel bone malalignment, flat foot deformity
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6–8 weeks non-weight-bearing
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Achilles tendon repair
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Achilles rupture, insertional tendinopathy
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3–6 months full recovery
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Haglund’s deformity correction
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Bony enlargement at back of heel (“pump bump”)
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4–8 weeks in surgical boot
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Heel spur resection
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Symptomatic heel spurs with nerve/tissue compression
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3–6 weeks, often combined with EPF
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What to Expect: Before, During, and After Heel Surgery
Before surgery
Your surgeon will review your full history of conservative treatments, obtain imaging, and discuss realistic expectations for recovery and outcomes. Most heel surgeries are outpatient procedures performed under local anesthesia with sedation, and you go home the same day. Pre-operative instructions will include fasting requirements, medications to pause, and what to arrange for your recovery at home (elevated rest, assistance for the first 24–48 hours).
Recovery and post-surgical care
Recovery timelines vary by procedure, but Cherrywood Foot Care provides detailed post-operative protocols for every patient. General guidance includes:
- Elevation of the foot for the first 48–72 hours to minimize swelling.
- Surgical boot or cast as directed; weight-bearing restrictions vary by procedure.
- Suture removal at approximately 2 weeks post-surgery.
- Gradual return to activity guided by follow-up visits and imaging.
- Custom orthotics are prescribed after healing to prevent recurrence.
- Physical therapy referral is indicated when needed for strength and gait rehabilitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Surgery is considered after 6–12 months of consistent conservative treatment without adequate relief. At your evaluation, we will review your treatment history and imaging to determine if you are a surgical candidate.
Most heel procedures at Cherrywood are performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation as an outpatient. General anesthesia is rarely required.
For minimally invasive procedures like EPF, most patients walk in a surgical boot within days and return to normal shoes in 3–6 weeks. More complex reconstructive procedures take longer, your surgeon will give you a personalized timeline.
Surgery has high success rates for appropriately selected patients, EPF resolves chronic plantar fasciitis in approximately 85–90% of cases. However, no surgical outcome is guaranteed, and your surgeon will discuss realistic expectations at your consultation.
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover medically necessary heel surgery when conservative treatment has been documented and failed. Our team verifies coverage before scheduling.
Recurrence is possible, particularly if underlying biomechanical issues (flat feet, tight calves, poor footwear) are not addressed. Post-surgical orthotics and appropriate footwear are key parts of our long-term care plan.
Why Choose Cherrywood Foot Care for Heel Surgery
Choosing the right surgical team matters as much as choosing the right procedure. Cherrywood Foot Care offers:
- Board-certified podiatric surgeon, Dr. Burke, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Foot Surgeons and board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.
- Nearly 30 years of heel surgery experience serving Nassau County patients
- Advanced minimally invasive techniques, including endoscopic plantar fasciotomy, faster recovery, smaller incisions, and lower risk
- On-site digital X-ray and access to diagnostic ultrasound for accurate pre-surgical planning
- Full continuum of care, from conservative management through surgery and rehabilitation, all under one roof
- Voted Best Podiatrist on Long Island 16 consecutive years by the Bethpage FCU community poll
- Convenient Bellmore location serving Wantagh, Levittown, Merrick, Freeport, East Meadow, and all of Nassau County
Step Towards Pain-Free Heels Today
Chronic heel pain does not have to be permanent. At Cherrywood Foot Care, our team is committed to finding the right solution for your specific condition, whether that means custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, or surgical correction. We will educate you every step of the way, from initial diagnosis through post-surgical care and long-term maintenance, so your heels stay healthy, strong, and pain-free.
For inquiries or to schedule a consultation, call us at (516) 826-9000 or visit our contact page.
Serving Bellmore, Wantagh, Levittown, Merrick, Freeport, East Meadow, and all of Nassau County.
