Vascular Clinic

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of chronic heel pain, typically resulting from inflammation of the plantar fascia a thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. This condition can become debilitating, especially in patients who’ve tried everything from stretching and orthotics to injections with little relief.

Typical symptoms include:

While most cases resolve with conservative care, a subset of patients develop chronic inflammation that resists standard treatments.

Traditional Treatment Options from Podiatrists and Foot Specialists

Conservative and orthopedic care often includes:

Rest and Activity Modification

Avoid prolonged walking or running
Limit barefoot walking

Orthotic Inserts and Supportive Footwear

Heel cushions, arch supports
Custom orthotics

Physical Therapy

Stretching, strengthening, massage techniques

Injections (Cortisone or PRP)

May provide temporary relief
Limited long-term benefit in chronic cases

Surgery (Plantar Fascia Release)

Invasive, with longer recovery and variable results
May require casting or prolonged time off the foot

How We Treat Plantar Fasciitis at Vascular Clinic

Plantar Fasciitis Embolization

Plantar Fasciitis Embolization is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that reduces chronic heel pain by blocking abnormal blood vessels feeding the inflamed plantar fascia. This decreases inflammation and allows natural healing.

How the Procedure Works:

Performed with local anesthesia and light sedation
A tiny catheter is inserted into an artery near the ankle or groin
Using real-time X-ray, we guide the catheter to the small arteries that supply the inflamed heel
We inject microparticles to selectively block abnormal vessels leaving healthy tissue untouched
The goal: reduce the “fuel” driving chronic inflammation and promote relief

What to Expect After Embolization

Procedure time: 30–60 minutes
Walk out same day no stitches, no incisions, no crutches
Light activity within 24 hours
Pain begins to improve gradually many patients notice relief within 2–4 weeks
Continued healing and reduction in pain over 1–3 months

We encourage you to continue supportive shoes and plantar fascia stretches embolization complements these strategies for long-term success.

Results and Safety

Studies show high success rates, with many patients reporting significant pain relief
Most avoid surgery and return to walking, standing, and exercising without chronic heel pain
Minor side effects may include brief soreness or temporary numbness in the heel
No major complications reported in large-scale data

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this procedure damage the foot or nerves?

No. We use precise, image-guided techniques to embolize only abnormal vessels, preserving healthy circulation and nerves.

Will I still be able to have surgery later if needed?

Yes. Embolization is nonsurgical and reversible it does not affect your ability to pursue other treatments in the future.

Is the procedure painful?

Not at all. After the numbing injection, the blood vessels themselves have no pain receptors. Most patients feel only warmth or pressure.

Is embolization covered by insurance?

We know how frustrating chronic heel pain can be. If you’ve exhausted other options, embolization may offer a new pathway to relief—without downtime or surgery.

Why Choose Vascular Clinic?

Specialists in Targeted Musculoskeletal Embolization
Noninvasive, outpatient procedure with fast recovery
Collaborative care with your podiatrist or orthopedic foot surgeon
Personalized evaluation and clear education using imaging and visual aids
Warm, supportive care throughout every step of your treatment

We know how frustrating chronic heel pain can be. If you’ve exhausted other options, embolization may offer a new pathway to relief without downtime or surgery.