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Vascular & Interventional Specialists of Kansas City
(816) 720-5332

Plantar Fasciitis Embolization (PFE) TreatmentMinimally Invasive Foot Pain Relief Kansas City

What is Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia—the band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes—becomes inflamed or damaged due to stress or overuse.

What's the Treatment?
Vascular & Interventional Specialists of Kansas City

What Are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?

If left untreated, the following symptoms may be present:

  • Worsening heel pain
  • Development of bone spurs
  • Rupture of the plantar fascia

Risk Factors of Plantar Fasciitis

Age

Common in individuals aged 40–60.

Obesity

Increased stress on the plantar fascia.

Prolonged Standing

Common among workers on their feet all day.

Foot Structure

Flat feet or high arches.

What is Plantar Fasciitis Embolization (PFE)?

PFE is a state-of-the-art minimally invasive procedure performed by board-certified interventional radiologists. This outpatient treatment targets the root cause of pain and inflammation.

How is PFE Performed?

1

A tiny catheter (thinner than a spaghetti noodle) is inserted through a small pinhole in the leg.

2

Blood vessels feeding the inflamed plantar fascia are identified.

3

Microscopic particles are injected to block abnormal blood flow, reducing inflammation and pain.

4

Closure: The instruments are removed, and a pressure dressing is applied.

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Why Choose PFE?

Minimally Invasive

No incisions or stitches required.

Faster-relief

Results often appear quicker than traditional treatments.

Long-lasting outcomes

Many patients experience significant, prolonged pain relief.

Conservative Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis

Before PFE, many patients try the following options:

  • Effective for short-term relief (up to 3 months).
  • Repeated use may cause reduced efficacy and increased risks.
  • Stretching routines targeting the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon.
  • Ice therapy and deep tissue massage for pain relief.
  • Many patients achieve success, but some require additional treatments.
  • Over-the-counter NSAIDs help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Long-term use can lead to serious side effects.
  • Arch supports or custom orthotics.
  • Night splints to maintain foot alignment.
  • Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): Uses sound waves to promote healing.
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: May provide temporary relief.
  • Dry Needling: Stimulates healing and increases blood flow.
  • Surgery is a last resort after 6–12 months of failed conservative treatments.
  • Risks include scarring, plantar fascia rupture, and prolonged recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions about Plantar Fasciitis Embolization

  • Anybody with pain due to plantar fasciitis that has lasted more than 3 months
    despite conservative treatment, especially if there is still pain after a different
    minimally invasive therapy.
  • Patients who have complete plantar fascia rupture are not candidates.
  • You will get IV twilight sedation to help you relax and not feel pain.
  • You get a small numbing injection (like at the dentist) before the doctor enters the artery. This can sting for a few seconds.
  • You may feel your normal Achilles pain when the doctor is injecting dye and medicine.
  • The artery going into the leg will be accessed safely with a needle using ultrasound. The needle will then be replaced by a small tube.
  • The doctor will then inject x-ray dye down the leg to take an angiogram (blood vessel picture) of your foot and ankle.
  • Your doctor will use the picture as a map to place even tinier catheters into the artery branches supplying the inflammation.
  • The doctor will then remove everything and hold pressure to close the pinhole in your artery. You will go home with just a small 1 inch bandage.
Vascular & Interventional Specialists of Kansas City
Angiogram of the foot demonstrates abnormal increased blood flow to the plantar fascia at the heel.
Vascular & Interventional Specialists of Kansas City
After PFE, the abnormal blood flow is gone.
  • There is a very small risk of bleeding where the doctor went into the artery.
  • There is an extremely small risk of infection.
  • The arteries to the plantar fascia often send tiny branches to your skin. Blocking them can cause a small rash. This is not painful and resolves within 2 weeks.
  • You must lie flat with your leg straight for 1-2 hours after the procedure.
  • You can take the dressing off and shower the next day.
  • You should hold pressure on your groin while coughing, sneezing, or straining in the bathroom.
  • You cannot perform strenuous activity or lift the weight of more than a gallon of milk for 1 week after the procedure.
  • Normal walking and light activity are not restricted.
  • You can drive the next day if you received IV sedation.
  • There may be a few days of worsening pain and stiffness. This feeling will go away, leaving real pain relief.
  • More than 80% of people experience long-lasting pain relief.
  • Patients should continue their stretching and strengthening exercises to prevent the pain from coming back.
  • If the pain comes back, repeat PFE or another treatment can be considered.

Take the First Step Toward Pain Relief

At Vascular & Interventional Specialists of Kansas City, we are committed to providing innovative, minimally invasive treatments to help you live pain-free.


Contact us today or call (816) 720-5332 to schedule your consultation. Let us help you take the next step toward recovery.


If you experience emergency symptoms, such as severe pain or difficulty moving, call 911 immediately.

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