Suffering from Plantar Fasciitis?
Find out how Plantar Fasciitis Embolization can help you.
Plantar fasciitis embolization is a minimally invasive procedure performed by National Vascular Physicians ideal for those experiencing pain from plantar fasciitis pain that is impacting their quality of life.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The fascia is the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes. When the fascia is injured and becomes inflamed, it can be extremely painful. It is thought to be the result of repeated microtrauma to the heel.
Who is at risk?
- Women are more at risk than men
- Athletes, especially runners
- Those with a job that requires prolonged standing
What does the research say?
Plantar fasciitis embolization is a safe and clinically proven1 outpatient procedure with an excellent profile and safety record.
- Rozil Gandhi, et al. Early outcomes of transcatheter arterial embolization using imipenem/cilastatin for plantar fasciitis refractory to conservative therapy. Br J Radiol 2024 Feb 28;97(1155:544-548.
Plantar Fasciitis symptoms
- Sharp pain in the heel or bottom of the foot
- Pain that increases with activity and decreases with rest
- Tenderness and swelling
Is Plantar Fasciitis Embolization right for me?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have this condition and conservative treatment has not been effective
- Wish to avoid surgery
- Do not have the time or ability to wait for the condition to heal on its own
Key Advantages
- PFE is safer than surgery
- Requires only a single treatment session
Benefits
- High treatment success rates
- Same day procedure
- Quick recovery
- No general anesthesia required
- Lower risk than surgery
Although PFE complications are extremely rare, any medical procedure carries some degree of risk. Despite the low risk factor, it is important to understand the potential complications associated with this treatment option, which include:
- Infection
- Non-target embolization
Other Treatment Options
Surgical Treatments
A surgery called plantar fasciotomy is sometimes performed to relieve pressure and restore blood flow to the heel. Unfortunately, up to 44% of patients still experience swelling and tenderness up to 10 years after having this surgery.1 There are also complications after surgery, including instability, nerve injury and recurrent heel pain.
Other Procedures
Less invasive options such as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) or high intensity laser therapy (HILT)/low-level laser therapy (LLLT) are available as less invasive options to surgery. Unlike plantar fasciitis embolization, these options require multiple treatment sessions and have a success rate between 74-76% (ESWT)2 and 51-73% (laser therapy).3
Medical Treatments
- Pain and anti-inflammatory medications
- Heat and/or cold packs
- Physical therapy
- Assistive devices
Plantar Fasciitis Embolization Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is plantar fasciitis?
The fascia is the thick band of tissue on the sole of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. When it becomes inflamed, it results in significant heel pain and affects a person’s ability to walk, run or exercise. It is now believed that the chronic inflammation caused by plantar fasciitis results in the formation of abnormal blood vessels that exacerbate the problem.
What is plantar fasciitis embolization (PFE)?
PFE is a minimally invasive procedure to embolize or “block” the flow of blood through these abnormal vessels supplying the fascia. It is most commonly recommended when conservative treatments have not worked, or if the patient does not have up to a year or more to wait until the condition resolves itself.
What is the recovery from PFE like?
Because PFE is an outpatient procedure, most patients can walk and return to normal activities very soon after their procedure. It is advised that you avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous activities for a period of one month. The recovery process from PFE is much easier than recovering from surgery to release the fascia.
How does PFE work?
The interventional radiologist inserts a very thin catheter into the bloodstream, then guides it using imaging to the smaller blood vessels in the fascia. The doctor then uses a special embolic agent to block or embolize the abnormal blood vessels. This reduces the flow of blood to the fascia, which in turn reduces pain and inflammation.
How do I know if PFE is right for me?
If you have had persistent heel pain for six months or more that has not resolved with conservative treatments such as medication, stretching and physical therapy, you may be a candidate for PFE. Also, PFE is advisable for patients who do not wish to have orthopedic surgery to correct the problem.
Are there any risks or side effects with PFE?
PFE is a generally safe procedure. There is a small risk of infection at the injection site where the catheter is placed, along with bruising or mild pain. Although rare, some patients may have an allergic reaction to the embolic agent used in the procedure.
What should I expect during the PFE procedure?
On the day of your procedure, you will visit our outpatient center, where you will change into a comfortable gown and be positioned on the table. In many cases, you will receive “twilight” sedation, which is a mild form of anesthesia that provides a relaxed and drowsy feeling. However, you are awake, breathing on your own and can respond to questions. During the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort or soreness at the site where the catheter is inserted into your bloodstream. However, this is temporary and will go away. After the procedure and a brief monitoring period, you may return home.
Is PFE covered by insurance?
Yes. Most insurance plans, including Medicare and most replacement plans, cover the PFE procedure. You are welcome to contact our center with any questions you have.
- Rebekah Gibbons et al. Evaluation of Long-Term Outcomes Following Plantar Fasciotomy. Foot Ankle Int. 2018 Nov; 39(11):1312-1319.
- R. Scheuer et al. Approaches to optimize focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) based on an observational study of 363 feet with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. International Journal of Surgery Volume 27, March 2016, Pages 1-7.
- Dovile Naruseviciute et al. The effect of high-intensity versus low-level laser therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis: randomized participant blind controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2020 Aug; 34(8): 1072-1082.
