Relief from stubborn heel pain, without surgery
Plantar fasciitis embolization treats chronic heel pain by calming the abnormal blood vessels that drive inflammation where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel. It is done through a pinhole in an artery, with no incision and no general anesthesia, and you go home the same day.
Call to book: 737-241-2184 How it worksWhat is plantar fasciitis, and how does embolization help?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue along the sole of the foot that supports the arch. In plantar fasciitis, the fascia becomes irritated and thickened where it attaches to the heel bone. This causes heel pain that is typically worst with the first steps in the morning or after rest.
Most people improve with stretching, supportive shoes, orthotics and time. For some, the pain lasts for months or years despite treatment.
In long-standing plantar fasciitis, the irritated tissue grows tiny abnormal blood vessels that feed inflammation and pain. Embolization reduces blood flow through these vessels, while the normal blood supply to the foot is preserved.1,2
Who is a good candidate?
Plantar fasciitis embolization is a newer treatment, considered when standard care has not worked.1 It is often a good fit if you:
- Have heel pain from plantar fasciitis for 3 months or more despite stretching, supportive shoes, orthotics or physical therapy.2
- Have tried injections or shockwave therapy without lasting relief.1
- Want to avoid surgery on the plantar fascia.
- Have pain in one or both heels; both sides can be treated.2
Not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. A stress fracture, a pinched nerve, arthritis or poor circulation can cause similar symptoms and need different treatment, so we confirm the diagnosis first.
How we decide whether embolization is right for you
We confirm that plantar fasciitis is the cause of your pain and that embolization is a sensible next step.
Consultation & exam
We review your symptoms and past treatments, examine your foot, and you complete a pain and function score that we use to track your progress.
Imaging
Ultrasound or MRI can show a thickened, inflamed plantar fascia and rule out other causes of heel pain, such as a stress fracture.
Circulation check
We make sure the blood flow to your foot is healthy before treatment, since the procedure works through the arteries of the lower leg.
How embolization compares with other options
Most people with plantar fasciitis get better with simple measures. Embolization is an option when they have not been enough.
| Option | How it works | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Stretching, orthotics & supportive shoes | Reduce strain on the plantar fascia | The first step for everyone; most people improve within months |
| Steroid injection or shockwave therapy | Reduce inflammation or stimulate healing at the heel | Can help, but relief may not last; repeated steroid injections can weaken the fascia |
| Surgery | The plantar fascia is partly released | Reserved for persistent cases; recovery can take weeks to months |
| Plantar fasciitis embolization | Abnormal vessels at the heel are treated through a pinhole in an artery | No incision, light sedation, same-day discharge; a newer treatment with early evidence1,2 |
What happens during plantar fasciitis embolization
The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. You are awake but relaxed throughout.1
Preparation
You receive light sedation and local anesthetic at the access site. No general anesthesia is needed.
A pinhole in the upper thigh or ankle
A thin tube (catheter) is placed through a tiny puncture into the artery in your upper thigh or, in some cases, a small artery at your ankle. No incision is made.
Mapping the arteries
Using X-ray guidance and contrast dye, a microcatheter is steered into the small arteries of the heel to find the area of abnormal blood flow where the fascia attaches.
Recovery
The catheter is removed and a small dressing applied. You rest for 30 to 60 minutes and go home the same day.
Results
Plantar fasciitis embolization has been studied in early clinical studies of patients whose heel pain had not responded to other treatments.1,2
Patients who met the criteria for a good response at 6 months, in a prospective study of 24 people with long-standing heel pain. Pain improved by about 70% on average.1
Patients in the same study who said they would definitely recommend the procedure. None of those who did not respond got worse.1
Average pain score (out of 10) before and 3 months after embolization in a series of 10 patients, with no significant complications.2
These studies are small and did not include a comparison group, so they cannot rule out a placebo effect. Randomized trials, ideally against a steroid injection or a sham procedure, are still needed.1,2 Individual results vary, and no treatment can guarantee success.
Risks and side effects
No significant complications were reported in the published studies so far.1,2 As with any procedure in the arteries, there are small risks, which we discuss with you in detail beforehand:
- Bruising or tenderness at the puncture site
- A mild ache in the heel for a few days
- Temporary skin redness or discoloration on the sole of the foot
- Rarely, reduced blood flow to nearby tissue in the foot
- Reaction to contrast dye or sedation
- Pain that does not improve enough, or returns over time
Frequently asked questions
Is the procedure painful?
It is performed under local anesthesia with light sedation. Most patients feel only the small needle at the access site.
Can I walk afterward?
Yes. You walk out the same day. Your physician will give you specific instructions about activity and exercise in the first days.
How soon will my heel feel better?
In studies, many patients had less pain within the first month, with further improvement over the following months.2
Should I keep doing my stretches?
Yes. Stretching and supportive footwear remain important to protect the plantar fascia and help prevent the pain from coming back.
Is it covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by policy. We will navigate out-of-pocket costs with you. Call us at 737-241-2184 with questions.
Find out whether embolization is right for you
If heel pain from plantar fasciitis has not improved with standard treatment, an evaluation can show whether embolization is a good option.
Call 737-241-2184 to scheduleReferences
- Gill S, Hely R, Harrison B, et al. Transarterial embolization to improve plantar heel pain: 6-month results from a prospective case series. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2026. SIR summary
- Gandhi R, Banker M. Early outcomes of transcatheter arterial embolization using imipenem/cilastatin for plantar fasciitis refractory to conservative therapy. Br J Radiol. 2024;97(1155):544–548. doi:10.1093/bjr/tqae012
This page provides general information and does not replace a personal medical consultation. Study results describe groups of patients and cannot predict the outcome for an individual. Urology Austin and IR Centers · 8701 N. Mopac, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78759 · 737-241-2184