Treatment

Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy (EPF): After Surgery

Choose a preferred language

Have someone drive you home after you have an endoscopic plantar fasciotomy (EPF). Your health care provider may want you to rest at home for a few days. Ask your provider when you can start walking again. If a compression dressing is used to control swelling, you may need to wear a surgical shoe. You may also need to wear a short leg brace for up to 3 weeks.


Recovering at home

Person on sofa, with foot wrapped in bandages, resting on ice pack, and elevated on pillows.

Expect your foot to feel numb right after the surgery. You’ll probably feel some pain after the local anesthesia wears off. Ice your foot for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day to limit pain and swelling. Raise your foot above heart level as often as you can. If you've been given pain medicines, take them as directed.


Your first post-op visit

Your health care provider may want to see you 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. During this post-op visit, your incisions will be checked to make sure they are healing. The compression dressing may be replaced with a smaller surgical dressing. If this occurs, you can probably start wearing sneakers.


When to call your doctor

Call your health care provider if you have:

  • A bandage that is too tight.

  • A lot of swelling or numbness of your toes.

  • Pain not relieved by medicine.

  • More than a few drops of blood at an incision site.

  • Signs of an infection, such as:

    • A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider.

    • Chills.

    • Redness near the incision.

  • Skin color changes beyond the dressing.

Featured in

Online Medical Reviewer: Rahul Banerjee MD

Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN

Date Last Reviewed: 03/01/2025

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Start your journey toward better health

Select a primary care physician who will deliver personal care, close to home.

Find a Doctor

We have more than 4,500 specialty care physicians in our network

We have you covered from head (neurosurgery) to toe (podiatry.) And everything in-between!

Find a Doctor

Need Help?

Get the right care at the right time.

Learn More
Related Articles
Read article
Orthopedics
Hip Fracture Surgery: Preparation

After a hip fracture happens, you will likely be taken to a hospital emergency room (ER). While in the ER, many tests will be done, including X-rays and blood tests.

Read article
Orthopedics
Upper Body Exercises Before Surgery or Procedure: Help with Walker or Crutch Use

Doing exercises before your knee replacement can help speed your recovery. These exercises build upper body strength. This can help you when you’re using a walker or crutches to get around after surgery. Your physical therapist or surgeon may advise you to use weights to make the exercises more effective. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.,

Read article
Orthopedics
Having Meniscal Transplant Surgery

Meniscal transplant surgery is surgery to replace a small piece of missing or damaged cartilage in the knee. The meniscus is replaced with one from a cadaver donor.

Read article
Orthopedics
Foot Surgery: Plantar Fascia Problems

Your plantar fascia is the ligament that extends from the heel of your foot to the ball of your foot. If your foot flattens too much or too little as you move, you may strain your plantar fascia. While the vast majority of people with plantar fascia pain can be helped with nonsurgical treatments, surgery can be considered if these treatments fail.