NON-SURGICAL PLANTAR FASCIITIS EMBOLIZATION TREATMENT
How is the Plantar Fasciitis Embolization (PFE) Treatment Performed?
Depending on the patient’s preference, this procedure can be safely performed using local anesthesia with or without moderate ‘twilight’ sedation that allows patients to go home the same day. Our IR physicians will use a small catheter (a thin hollow tube) placed directly into the posterior tibial artery near the ankle or sometimes an artery in the groin. Using real-time X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy), the physician will navigate a catheter through the blood vessels to the area supplying the inflamed plantar fascia. A contrast dye may be injected to visualize abnormal vessels. Once the abnormal overgrown vessels (called neovessels) are identified, the doctor injects tiny temporary particles through the catheter into these arteries. These particles block the tiny abnormal vessels that are feeding inflammation and transmitting pain signals, without harming the normal arteries supplying the remainder of the foot. The catheter is gently removed, and a small bandage is applied to the pin-hole site – no stitches are needed.
This treatment reduces the chronic inflammation associated with the heel, allows tissue healing, decreases nerve irritation, alleviates the pain, and leads to improvement in heel pain over weeks to months.
Image Source: CA Vascular – Plantar Fasciitis Embolization Treatment
Image Source: CA Vascular – Plantar Fasciitis Embolization Treatment
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS EMBOLIZATION?
Plantar Fasciitis Embolization is a minimally-invasive, nonsurgical treatment that requires no incisions, no stitches, and no general anesthesia, allowing patients to walk shortly afterward and return to normal activities quickly. Because it avoids cutting the fascia, it preserves foot structure and carries a lower risk of complications compared with surgery. PFE is particularly effective for long-standing plantar fasciitis that hasn’t responded to traditional treatments, offering a targeted and durable solution with a fast, comfortable recovery.
Plantar Fasciitis Embolization
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT BEFORE MY PROCEDURE?
You will first meet with our physician for a consultation to discuss your symptoms and medical history. Pending any further diagnostic tests, our physician will provide treatment recommendations. If PFE is warranted, our staff will help you schedule the procedure. Our physician will follow up with your doctors to inform him/her/them of the treatment plan.
Our physician will need to know which medications you are taking — you will be informed about which medications to take and which ones to hold on the day(s) leading up to the procedure. We will need to know about allergies. A simple blood test may be ordered to ensure your kidney function is acceptable for the contrast dye used during the procedure.
You will be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day prior to your procedure.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ON MY PROCEDURE DAY FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS EMBOLIZATION?
After arriving and checking in with our front staff, our nurse will take you back to the prep/recovery area to get you ready for the procedure. A bedside locked cabinet and key are provided for your personal items.
If sedation is opted for, an IV will be secured into your hand or forearm, allowing easy medication access for moderate sedation and pain control. Later, our staff will safely transport you into the surgical room and prepare you for the procedure. You’ll notice surgical drapes placed over much of the surrounding area. This keeps the surface area sterile and clean.
Once in the room, you will be placed on a comfortable, soft table. The skin near the groin or the lower leg will be sterilized. Moderate sedation can be administered at the beginning of the procedure to provide enough sedation to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. You will be relaxed but awake the entire time! Since there is a ceiling-mounted TV in the procedure room, you catch up on your favorite TV series or listen to your favorite music.
During the procedure, local anesthesia is administered at the vessel access site, typically either the groin or lower leg. You’ll lie comfortably while the provider uses imaging to guide a tiny catheter to the vessels around your plantar fascia. Most patients feel only mild pressure, not pain. The treatment typically takes 30-45 minutes.
Once finished, the catheter is removed, a small bandage is placed, and you’ll rest briefly for monitoring. Because there are no incisions or stitches, you can usually walk out the same day and return home shortly afterward.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY FROM PLANTAR FASCIITIS EMBOLIZATION?
Following the procedure, the arterial catheter will be removed, and a small dressing will be placed at the access site. You will be transported back to the recovery area. To prevent any bleeding from the access site, you will be asked to lie flat for a while. Additional medication will be provided to control any pain.
You can expect to stay at New England Endovascular Center for approximately 1-2 hours following the procedure. Snacks and drinks will be provided at this time. An iPad is available to use while you wait to catch up on your favorite Netflix or Hulu series.
If you receive sedation, you’ll need to plan to have someone drive you home once you have been discharged because sedative drugs are given. Be sure to follow the discharge instructions about taking your medications.
Once home, please be sure to rest and drink plenty of fluids. We suggest that you avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercising for at least 7-10 days. Plantar Fasciitis Embolization is generally a well-tolerated procedure. If any post-procedure symptoms occur, they will typically be minor and may include fatigue and mild pain. If necessary, you will be prescribed medications to minimize these symptoms.
Pain relief often develops gradually over the next 4–12 weeks as inflammation decreases and the plantar fascia heals. Your team may recommend stretching, supportive footwear, or follow-up imaging to support your recovery. If you have any concerns or unexpected symptoms, your provider is available to guide you.
Get Help Today!
New England Endovascular Center offers expertise, state-of-the-art imaging, and resources for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of PFE. We customize each patient’s treatment plan to maximize the best possible outcome. We are committed to providing excellent, personal patient care.
Call our office today to schedule a consultation!
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PFE Diagnostic Testing
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Our doctors are nationally recognized experts in minimally-invasive therapies for treating PFE. We provide non-surgical treatment for PFE for patients throughout Western, MA and Northern, CT.