Barbara
I have had the heel spur surgery. The doctor is correct in stating that the spur doesn't need to be removed. All heel spur surgery is done by cutting the planar fasciitis, the tendon that runs forward from the heel. To understand why that's done, let me explain what is happening in the foot: Usually due to injury, the tendon is torn where it connects to the the heel. When it heals, it forms scar tissue in the form of a spur. After a while, the tendon begins to atrophy (shorten) and each time it is stretched-like first thing in the morning or after you have been off the foot, it retears which causes an ever-growing spur and more atrophy and pain. By clipping the tendon and allowing it to regrow on its own (you have to stay off the foot), it reattaches in a longer, more natural state. This eliminates the pain. Whether you remove the spur or not has no effect. I had torn both my heels in a running accident and spent over 10 years on orthotics, NSAIDS, steroidal cream and ultrasound treatment. I finally had the first heel done and spent 3 weeks off the foot until it healed. The surgery was successful. Two years later I opted for the second surgery. A couple of weeks before the scheduled surgery, my husband suggested I try taking Knox gelatin in a drink each day to see if it would help with the pain. It had helped him with a back injury. I was skeptical, but wanting to make him happy, I took it. I put one packet of the gelatin in a cup of tea once a day for three days and by the third day, I had no more pain. That was many years ago and I still have no pain. I have xrays to show that my spur is still there, about 1/1/2 inches long. The difference is that unflavored gelatin restores the stretching ability of connective tissue (because of the chondroitin in it). My doctor, when I called to cancel the surgery, asked if I would still come in for a check up. I did. I had no pain when he pushed on my heel (I usually jumped off the table when he pressed on it). He tried and tried. My orthopedist was duly impressed. While your daughter is waiting for her surgery, try the Knox gelatin and see if it helps with her pain. It will do no harm and it just might help! Barb