Plantar Fasciitis Embolization

About Plantar Fasciitis Embolization

Plantar fasciitis embolization is an innovative minimally invasive procedure that targets the root cause of chronic plantar fasciitis — abnormal blood vessel and nerve growth in the inflamed plantar fascia — to provide lasting heel pain relief. At M&S Vascular and Orthopedic Group in Forest Hills, Queens, Dr. Amir Salem performs plantar fasciitis embolization for patients who have not found relief from conservative treatments such as stretching, orthotics, steroid injections, or physical therapy. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, affecting approximately two million Americans each year. While most cases resolve with conservative care, 10-20% of patients develop chronic, debilitating heel pain that resists standard treatment. Recent research has shown that chronic plantar fasciitis involves neovascularization — the growth of abnormal, leaky blood vessels that bring inflammatory cells and pain-signaling nerves into the damaged tissue. During plantar fasciitis embolization, Dr. Salem threads a thin catheter through a small puncture in the wrist or ankle and uses advanced imaging to guide tiny particles into the abnormal blood vessels feeding the inflamed fascia. By blocking these vessels, the procedure reduces inflammation, disrupts pain signaling, and promotes healing. The procedure takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes, requires only local anesthesia, and patients walk out the same day. Most patients experience significant pain reduction within two to four weeks. If you are in Forest Hills, Queens, Great Neck, Long Island, or the surrounding area and suffering from chronic heel pain that has not responded to other treatments, M&S Vascular and Orthopedic Group can help.

What to Expect

Your plantar fasciitis embolization journey begins with a consultation at our Forest Hills office, including a detailed review of your heel pain history, physical examination, and imaging (MRI or ultrasound) to confirm chronic plantar fasciitis and assess neovascularization. On procedure day, you receive local anesthesia. Dr. Salem makes a small puncture, threads a micro-catheter to the arteries feeding the inflamed plantar fascia under live X-ray guidance, and delivers tiny particles to block the abnormal blood vessels. The procedure takes 45 to 60 minutes. You walk out of the office the same day. There is no cast, no crutches, and no downtime. Most patients return to full activities within one to two days and notice meaningful pain improvement within two to four weeks.

Who Is This For?

Adults with chronic plantar fasciitis or heel pain lasting six months or longer that has not responded to conservative treatments including stretching, orthotics, physical therapy, cortisone injections, or shockwave therapy — especially those who want to avoid invasive surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions