Plantar fasciitis is the most common type of heel pain in adults. It is characterized by painful inflammation of the fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. In addition to being painful, it can make it very difficult to walk.
Fortunately for most with this condition, conservative treatment—in the forms of ice, massage, medication, orthotics, stretching, etc.—will eventually alleviate the condition. However, about 10% of those with plantar fasciitis will require some form of treatment.
Fasciotomy is a type of surgery to cut or “release” the fascia to relieve pressure and restore blood flow. Unfortunately, achieving a positive outcome from this surgery can be challenging, with up to 44% of patients experiencing swelling and tenderness up to 10 years after the surgery1, as well as other complications such as nerve injury, biomechanical instability and recurrent heel pain.
In recent years, another treatment called extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has grown in popularity. This non-invasive treatment requires up to three sessions and has a 74-76% success rate.2 Healing from this procedure may be slowed with anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications.3 In addition, patients who have had a corticosteroid injection within 4-6 weeks, patients with implanted devices or hormones, and those with open wounds around the treatment site are not eligible for this procedure.
A new and more clinically effective non-surgical treatment is now available at North Star Vascular & Interventional. Known as plantar fasciitis embolization it has both an excellent safety and a success record.4
“We are one of the first clinics in the United States to offer this unique treatment,” says Dr. Amin Astani, an interventional radiologist and co-founder of North Star Vascular & Interventional. “And we are currently the only center performing this procedure in the MSP area.”
Dr. Astani feels that plantar fasciitis embolization fills an important gap in the orthopedic treatment realm. “PFE is a very successful approach for those seeking a minimally invasive solution, and who do not have a complete tear of the fascia. It’s more effective and less restrictive than ESWT.”
During the procedure, a very small catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the ankle or thigh. Our interventional radiologists use imaging to guide the catheter to the exact location of the blood vessels that are responsible for pain and inflammation. Tiny microparticles are then injected into arteries to cut off blood supply to the inflamed tissue, which then heals naturally, reducing pain and discomfort.
Patients are required to rest the treated area for a few days and may be advised to use crutches or another assistive device to reduce pressure on the heel. They can return to most activities within a week to 10 days. PFE is recommended for those with plantar fasciitis and who have not responded to conservative treatment. It may not be appropriate for patients with extensive tearing in the fascia.
For more information about plantar fasciitis embolization, or to book a consultation with one of our doctors, please call (952) 960-9399.
- 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.
- Reilly JM, Bluman E, Tenforde AS. Effect of shockwave treatment for Management of Upper and Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Conditions: a narrative review. PM R. 2018;10(12):1385‐1403
- 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.
