I have had the procedure on both heels. One surgery, they put my foot and calf in a hard cast for about a month. I was able to walk immediately without a crutch or cane. The second surgery the Dr. used a soft cast (boot) and it was a little over four months before I was able to not use the boot. This surgery also required a crutch for about a month after surgery. The same Dr. did both surgeries. There was little to no pain involved in both procedures. The Dr. attributed the heel spurs to marching practice on concrete/hard surfaced marching fields. Hope this helps and good luck.