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Is Plantar Fasciitis Embolization (PFE) Right for You?

Plantar Fasciitis Embolization (PFE)

Chronic heel pain can make even simple daily activities difficult. When stretching, orthotics, physical therapy, or injections fail, patients often look for a solution that provides long-term relief without surgery. At New England Endovascular Center, we offer Plantar Fasciitis Embolization (PFE)—a minimally invasive treatment that is changing the way chronic plantar fasciitis is managed. Below, our interventional radiologists, Dr. Kahn and Dr. Chill, explain what PFE is, who may benefit, what to expect, and how well it works.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis Embolization (PFE)?

Plantar Fasciitis Embolization is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. Instead of surgically cutting or removing tissue, the doctor performing PFE:

  • Inserts a slender catheter through a small skin puncture
  • Guides it to the arteries supplying the inflamed plantar fascia
  • Uses micro-particles to reduce abnormal blood flow and calm chronic inflammation

This targeted approach decreases pain while preserving the natural vasculature of the foot.

At New England Endovascular Center, Dr. Kahn and Dr. Chill perform PFE using advanced imaging technology in a comfortable outpatient environment.

Why Patients Choose PFE at New England Endovascular Center

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A Non-surgical Solution

No incisions, stitches, or general anesthesia.

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Ideal for chronic, treatment-resistant pain

Patients often seek us out after months—or even years—of unsuccessful conservative care.

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Minimal recovery time

Most patients return to their normal routine within a few days.

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Experienced specialists

Our team has extensive expertise in minimally invasive, image-guided pain therapies.

Who May Benefit From PFE?

PFE may be right for you if you:

  • Have persistent plantar fasciitis lasting 6+ months
  • Have not improved with medications, stretching, orthotics, shockwave therapy, or injections
  • Want to avoid surgery or are not a good surgical candidate
  • Experience daily heel pain that limits your mobility or lifestyle

A full evaluation, including imaging, helps determine whether PFE is appropriate for your specific condition.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Before the Procedure

  • Consultation with one of our providers
  • Imaging review and treatment planning

During the Procedure

  • Local anesthesia and light sedation (no general anesthesia)
  • A tiny catheter is inserted into an artery
  • The catheter is guided to the targeted blood vessels
  • Micro-particles are delivered to reduce excessive blood flow
  • Procedure length: 30–60 minutes

After the Procedure

  • You return home the same day
  • Mild soreness for 1–3 days is typical
  • Walking is usually permitted right away
  • Pain improvement develops over several weeks as inflammation decreases

How Well Does PFE Work?

Studies consistently show that PFE:

  • Significantly reduces heel pain
  • Improves overall foot function
  • Helps most patients avoid surgery
  • Maintains benefit for at least 6–12 months and typically longer
  • Has high patient satisfaction and low complication rates

These results make PFE a promising treatment option for chronic, stubborn plantar fasciitis.

Safety of Plantar Fasciitis Embolization

PFE is considered safe, with a low risk of complications. Possible side effects include:

  • Mild temporary soreness
  • Small access-site bruising or skin injury
  • Rare vascular reactions

Our providers review all risks and guide you through every step to ensure the procedure is performed safely.

Research Highlights

Current research demonstrates:

  • Significant reductions in pain scores
  • Improved mobility and walking comfort
  • Low complication rates
  • Strong potential as a long-term alternative to surgery

As clinical studies continue, PFE is gaining recognition nationwide as one of the most effective non-surgical options for chronic heel pain.

If chronic heel pain is slowing you down, New England Endovascular Center is here to help. We proudly serve patients throughout western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut with advanced, minimally invasive solutions, including Plantar Fasciitis Embolization.

Contact New England Endovascular Center today and call (413) 693-2852 to speak with our specialists and find out if this treatment is right for you.