Plantar fasciitis can make your first steps in the morning painful and can interfere with walking, exercise, work, and everyday activities. Many people improve with nonsurgical care. But when heel pain continues, another treatment may be considered.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. It connects the heel to the front of the foot and helps support your arch. When this tissue becomes irritated or damaged, it can cause heel pain.
Pain is often worse with the first steps after getting out of bed, after sitting for a while, or after long periods of standing or walking.
When Usual Treatments Aren’t Enough
Treatment often starts with stretching, supportive shoes or inserts, physical therapy, ice, medicine, or injections. Some people continue to have pain even after trying these options.
What Is Transarterial Embolization (TAE)?
TAE is a minimally invasive procedure for long-lasting plantar heel pain. In chronic plantar fasciitis, extra tiny blood vessels may develop around the painful area. These vessels may be linked to ongoing irritation and pain.
During TAE, a very small tube called a catheter is guided through an artery to the blood vessels near the painful area. A small amount of embolic material is then delivered to reduce abnormal blood flow. The goal is to decrease the signals that contribute to pain and inflammation while keeping normal blood flow to healthy tissue.
What Can I Expect?
- No surgical incision is made in the heel.
- The procedure is performed through a tiny artery access site.
- Patients go home the same day.
- Recovery is generally less involved than open foot surgery.
Who Might Be a Candidate?
TAE may be considered for patients with chronic plantar fasciitis or plantar heel pain that has not improved enough with conservative treatment. Your doctor will review your symptoms, previous treatments, examination, and imaging to decide whether the procedure may be appropriate for you.
A Different Approach to Chronic Heel Pain
If plantar fasciitis is keeping you from walking, exercising, working, or enjoying your normal activities, TAE may offer another option without operating directly on the plantar fascia. Call our office today to schedule a consultation to find out whether this minimally invasive treatment may be right for you.
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