Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common and often chronic injury affecting the heel and arch of the foot. It is the result of micro-tears and tissue degeneration within the fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. It can be caused by repeated stress on the heel, improper shoes, having type II diabetes, being overweight or having high arches or flat feet.

The symptoms of plantar fasciitis can include:

A sharp, stabbing pain on the bottom of the heel or arch of the foot
Pain during the first steps taken in the morning or after a long period of rest
Stiffness or tenderness in the arch

Without treatment, plantar fasciitis symptoms may resolve on their own. For many, however, it can take up to a year or more for the symptoms to go away, if they go away at all.

Treatment Options

Conservative treatment

Most conservative treatment options are “at-home” approaches that include icing the heel, resting the foot, taping the heel and stretching the plantar fascia and calf muscles. Arch supports, heel pads or custom orthotics may also be used to manage the pain and promote healing.

Surgery

Surgery to “release” the fascia is sometimes recommended for severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatment. Even after surgery, however, the pain and/or tenderness will persist in up to 44% of patients up to 10 years after the surgery. In addition, there is a long recovery period after the surgery (6-10 weeks) as well as other risks (nerve damage, arch flattening). Surgery can also result in reduced shock absorption.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and Laser Therapy (HILT and LLLT)

These less invasive alternatives to surgery are sometimes used to treat plantar fasciitis. However, all of these treatments have lower success rates (51%-76%), require multiple treatments and recovery may be slowed with the use of anti-inflammatory pain medications.

Plantar fasciitis embolization (PFE)

PFE is a practical, non-surgical option for those with plantar fasciitis who wish to avoid surgery, or who may not have the time for the condition to resolve on its own. PFE embolizes or blocks the flow of blood through the abnormal blood vessels that develop within and around the fascia, reducing pain and inflammation, and restoring mobility.

Please visit our PFE section to learn more about this option.

Plantar Fasciitis Embolization