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PMGR Surgery

Posted , 5 users are following.

JanineR
JanineR

I am writing this post in case it helps anyone else. I am a long-time lurker, first time poster!

My husband has suffered from Plantar Fasciitis in his right foot for around 4 years now, his journey to surgery has been a long and convoluted one but so far *fingers crossed* it has finally relieved his pain!

In a nutshell, his journey to surgery….!

Heel Pain begins – 1st trip to GP!

Signed off work for 1 week [He’s a bartender]

Heel Pain continues – Back to the GP

Prescribed Naproxen – no improvement

GP referred to podiatrist

Podiatrist gave insoles and stretches

No improvement!

Back to GP – 1st cortisone injection

Relief for around 6 months! Hurrah!

Heel pain returned L

GP referred to physiotherapist

Physiotherapist gave exercises and stretches

No improvement!

Back to GP – referred to Musculoskeletal Assessment and Treatment Service (MATs) and prescribed tramadol for the pain

MATs referred for an MRI

Results from MRI went back to MATs

MATs referred to Orthopedic surgeon [YAY!]

Met with Orthopedic surgeon at Circle Bath and discussed proximal medial gastrocnemius release surgery (PMGR)

Waited 3 months for the surgery

He finally had the surgery…. Well, I say surgery, it was more a short procedure that took 20 mins under local anaesthetic! He is now four weeks post surgery, the recovery took about 10 days and he is now about 90% free of pain.

We are hopeful that as his plantar fascia heals, this will increase but after such a long journey where nothing was helping, 90% free of pain is like heaven!

I implore all of you who are sceptical about surgery to research PMGR surgery, and if you are in the UK, look up Mr Tristian Burton, who did the procedure on my husband.

I’ll keep you updated with how his recovery progresses!

2 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • JanineR
    JanineR

    Posted

    I forgot his second injection! After the physio.... it didn't help at all !
  • WhiteRabbit17
    WhiteRabbit17 JanineR

    Posted

    I watched a YouTube film about treating PF and the guy said the solution is in calf massage which really has helped me. This guy said all operations are short term fixes and in the USA, where he us based, make a lot of money for doctors!

    I will be interested to hear how it goes with your husband and I wish him luck.

    • JanineR
      JanineR WhiteRabbit17

      Posted

      Thanks whiteRabbit17, the doctor who did my husbands surgery is a specialist in the leg below the knee and said he has been doing the procedure for around 3 years and the results have been long lasting in his previous patients, so we are very hopeful. The surgery releases the calf muscle and focuses on stretching and strengthening the calf, rather than the foot so he also believes that PF can be treated by working on the calf!
    • WhiteRabbit17
      WhiteRabbit17 JanineR

      Posted

      This sounds really hopeful. I'm convinced it's a calf muscle issue.

      i will look forward to hearing how it goes. 

  • david12541
    david12541 JanineR

    Posted

    As  long time PF sufferer I appreciate what has been gone through.

    The point I would make is that PF can be so different for many people, treatments, drugs, orthotics, etc, can have many and varied reliefs for people.

    I sincerely hope that surgery in your case case eased the position but with PF there is no magic bullet, and whatever the treatment PF pain can return.

    I only say this to avoid people thinking there is a 'magic' treatment that everyone could enjoy - it's just not like this.

    However, I wish you well and sincerely hope this may be the end of PF pain for you. Let us know how things progress.

    By the way I looked at z-coil shoes, only available in the US, and these seem to offer great relief.

    • JanineR
      JanineR david12541

      Posted

      Hi David! Here in the UK my husband has found 'shoes for crews' really helpful, I don't think there are many brands of good supportive shoes to chose from though!

      I just wanted to contribute by sharing his journey and the type of surgery that he was offered as I know a lot of people are apprehensive about the idea of surgery as a solution, but this was just a 20 minute procedure under local, in the back of the knee, no need for a cast and off all his painkillers and walking around normally after 10 days.

      We know PF is so unpredictable that it could return, or one day it could appear in his left foot!!!! but for the time being, he is pain free for the first time in 3 years smile

  • david12541
    david12541 JanineR

    Posted

    Thanks for that Janine I'll see if I can get a pair.

    I wear Crocs and find these very good, not the most elegant of footwear but they have a wide toe box which I believe is better than narrower snug fits, also good heel cupping and support, and arch support.

    • JanineR
      JanineR WhiteRabbit17

      Posted

      What, Crocs? could be better for around the house than slippers with insoles, especially for the summer!
    • WhiteRabbit17
      WhiteRabbit17 JanineR

      Posted

      I wear them around the house for all the reasons David12451 says. They have to be brand rather than copies because the branded ones have good arch support.
  • peggy73688
    peggy73688 JanineR

    Posted

    JanineR - I am so glad to hear this.... i've been suffering with PF for over a year now, shots, orthotics, stretches, etc... i finally said I was done and have scheduled for my surgery on May 9th... i've been questioning if I'm making the right decision, but after reading your story, i'm feeling better. I have horrible feet.... mortons neuroma surgery 3 times, bunion removal, series of shots in my toes for the neuroma and now this.... i'm worried about years later, but the pain now is horrible.  Thanks! Hope your husband continues with the relief!

    Peggy

    • peggy73688
      peggy73688

      Posted

      Also, did he have a bone spur and was that removed?  I've been told they are cutting the ligament that goes to my heel and that will build up scar tissue so I don't have the pain, but said not removing bone spur.
    • JanineR
      JanineR peggy73688

      Posted

      Hi Peggy! He has a significant bone spur but was told removal of bone spur is far too invasive and that once the plantar fascia inflammation goes down it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things. He is now 3.5 months post surgery, back to working 45 hours per week on his feet and not needing any painkillers so... so far, this surgery has been a great solution for him. I assume from your vocabulary that you are in America? Which surgery will you be having?
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