Treatment for: Plantar fasciitis
Procedures offered: Plantar fasciitis embolization (PFE)
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Where is the fascia?
The fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot. It connects the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis is a condition resulting from inflammation of the fascia. It can be extremely painful, and it is the most common type of heel pain in adults.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is most often experienced by those between the ages of 40 and 60, but it is more than twice as prevalent in women as in men. Also, it is more common among runners (and at younger ages), as the repetitive microtrauma to the heel caused by running is thought to be the cause. Additional causes may include being overweight, having flat feet, prolonged standing and type II diabetes.
Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis
For most, conservative treatment such as icing, massage, taping, stretching, medication or orthotics will help manage the pain until it resolves on its own. Up to 20% of those with plantar fasciitis will require more aggressive treatment, as well as those who cannot wait up to 12 months it may take to heal itself.
Surgery to “release” the fascia is sometimes recommended to relieve pressure and restore blood flow to the heel. However, up to 44% of patients may still experience swelling and tenderness up to 10 years after the surgery.1 In addition, complications such as nerve injury, biomechanical instability and recurrent heel pain can occur.
Other, less invasive options such as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) or high intensity laser therapy (HILT)/low-level laser therapy (LLLT) are available. However, these require multiple treatment sessions and have a success rate between 74-76% (ESWT)2 and 51-73% (laser therapy).3 Additionally, healing from these procedures may be slowed with the use of anti-inflammatory medications4 and patients who have had a recent corticosteroid injection, those with implanted devices or hormones, and those with open wounds around the treatment site are not eligible for the ESWT procedure. Other treatments, such as botulinum toxin injections, have very little evidence to support their effectiveness.
Minimally-Invasive Treatment: Plantar Fasciitis Embolization (PFE)
There is a new and minimally invasive treatment option called plantar fasciitis embolization or PFE. It has been shown to be highly effective, with an excellent safety profile and success record.5
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.
Plantar Fasciitis Embolization in Minneapolis
PFE is a new and less invasive option to treat plantar fasciitis, and the experienced doctors at North Star Vascular & Interventional were among the first doctors to offer this treatment in the United States. If you are not a candidate for surgery or do not wish to have surgery or other treatments, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us by calling (952) 960-9399. We are also happy to provide the information you need to make an informed decision with your doctor.
How to Prepare for PFE Treatment
- Please inform us of all medications you are taking, including herbal supplements, and if you have any allergies, especially to local anesthetics, medications, or contrast (also known as “x-ray dye”).
- You may be advised to stop taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Tylenol, Advil) or a blood thinning medication for a period of time before your procedure.
- Please inform us about recent illnesses or other medical conditions.
- Women who are or may be pregnant should inform us immediately. Many imaging tests such as x-ray are not performed during pregnancy so as not to expose the fetus to radiation.
- Unless otherwise instructed, you may take your usual medications, especially blood pressure medications. These may be taken with some water in the morning before your procedure.
- You may be instructed to refrain from eating or drinking anything for several hours before your procedure.
- You may need to remain for a period of observation after your procedure.
- You will be given a gown to change into before your procedure.
What to expect during PFE treatment
Shortly after you arrive on the day of your procedure, you will receive light sedation medication to keep you comfortable and sleepy, but not completely asleep. A tiny incision will be made in the groin where the catheter is inserted into your bloodstream. Fluoroscopy, a special type of x-ray, is used to guide the catheter into the abnormal arteries in the heel. Small particles (embolic agents) are injected into one or more of the arteries to seal off the diseased blood vessels. The entire procedure takes about an hour, and you will spend another 1-2 hours after the procedure under observation before returning home.
FAQ: Plantar Fasciitis Embolization at North Star Vascular and Interventional
Plantar fasciitis embolization is a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce inflammation and pain in the plantar fascia. At North Star Vascular and Interventional, we specialize in this advanced treatment to help you get back on your feet quickly.
The procedure involves blocking specific abnormal blood vessels to normalize blood flow and reduce inflammation in the plantar fascia. Our expert team at North Star Vascular and Interventional ensures precise targeting for effective pain relief and faster recovery.
If you’ve been dealing with chronic plantar fasciitis and haven’t found adequate relief through rest, physical therapy, or medications, this procedure is for you. Our specialists at North Star Vascular and Interventional will evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment plan.
While lying flat on our procedure table, we will use local anesthesia, so you’ll feel comfortable throughout the process. Our skilled team will insert a tiny tiny catheter into your vessel and guide it to the blood vessels supplying the plantar fascia. Tiny particles are then injected to block the abnormal vessels, normalizing the blood flow, and effectively reducing inflammation.We will remove the tiny catheter and hold pressure over the vessel before returning you to recovery.
With local anesthesia, the procedure is generally painless. You might feel some minor soreness at the insertion site afterward, but our team at North Star Vascular and Interventional will ensure you’re comfortable every step of the way.
The procedure typically takes less than half an hour. At North Star Vascular and Interventional, we prioritize efficiency so you can start your recovery as soon as possible.
Most patients can return to normal activities immediately. Significant relief from symptoms is usually experienced within a few days. Our goal at North Star Vascular and Interventional is to help you get back to your active lifestyle quickly.
While any medical procedure has potential risks, serious complications are rare. Our experienced team at North Star Vascular and Interventional takes all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and successful outcome.
This procedure has shown excellent results in reducing pain and improving function, especially when other treatments have failed. At North Star Vascular and Interventional, we are committed to delivering effective results that enhance your quality of life.
The procedure can provide long-term relief, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following our team’s advice will help prevent recurrence. We’re here to support you in achieving lasting results.
Preparation is simple. Typically, it involves fasting for a few hours before the procedure and arranging for someone to drive you home. Let us know about any medications you’re taking and any allergies. Our team at North Star Vascular and Interventional will provide all the guidance you need.
Insurance coverage can vary, but it is generally covered by most insurance providers. Our team at North Star Vascular and Interventional will help you check with your provider to determine if the procedure is covered under your policy.
You can receive this advanced treatment at North Star Vascular and Interventional. Our experienced interventional radiologists are ready to help you find relief. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a pain-free life.
If you have more questions or need further information, reach out to us at North Star Vascular and Interventional. We’re here to help you get back on your feet!
For more information about plantar fasciitis embolization and other treatments at North Star Vascular please contact us.
References
- 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.
- 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.