Plantar Fasciitis Embolization for Chronic Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis embolization (PFAE) treats chronic heel pain and morning heel pain when stretching, orthotics, and injections have not lasted. Request a consultation with Dr. John Smirniotopoulos to review whether this non-surgical plantar fasciitis treatment is a fit.
Typically outpatient, with light sedation rather than general anesthesia
The procedure
Plantar fascia artery embolization for stubborn heel pain
A thin catheter delivers tiny particles to the small vessels feeding the inflamed plantar fascia. It is one option among treatments at Full Motion Joint and Spine — for plantar fasciitis that will not go away in selected people, not a promised result.
Not a fascia cut
Not an open plantar fascia release. Other foot problems still need exam.
MedStar procedures
Done in the MedStar hospital setting. Visit flow is on the Locations page.
Request a consult
Request a consultation so candidacy is decided in person — not from this page.
The heel
Morning heel pain and chronic heel pain after usual care
Morning heel pain (first-step stabbing) and arch pain from recalcitrant plantar fasciitis are the usual PFAE consults. This is discussed after stretching, orthotics, or injections fail — not for every sore heel.
The catheter
Tiny particles to the vessels of the inflamed fascia
A catheter is guided to the small arteries feeding hypervascular fascia. Microscopic particles reduce that extra flow. Most visits use light sedation.
Candidacy
A consult if heel pain after injections has lasted
People ask about PFAE when conservative care and injections have not lasted. Dr. John Smirniotopoulos decides candidacy in person — not from this page.
Often discussed at consult
- Chronic heel pain or morning first-step pain that has lasted
- Stretching, orthotics, or injections that no longer help
- Interest in a catheter option instead of a fascia operation
Candidacy is confirmed in person — not from this page.
Not every sore heel
Nerve entrapment, a stress fracture, or infection can point elsewhere.
A hot swollen foot with fever, or inability to bear weight after injury, needs urgent care — not this page.
The visit
Your PFAE visit, start to finish
Before you arrive
History, exam, and films. Simple prep. See Locations.
The day of treatment
Outpatient catheter treatment. Arrange a ride home.
Going home
Typically same-day discharge when the visit goes as planned.
Follow-up
Relief can build over the following weeks. Timelines vary. No rate is quoted here.
Afterward
Recovery after plantar fasciitis embolization
This is not surgical fascia-release recovery. If PFAE is not the match, options include continued conservative care or evaluation with your existing foot-and-ankle team. See treatments for other joints.
Care led by
Dr. John Smirniotopoulos
PFAE is performed by a dual board-certified interventional and diagnostic radiologist, Associate Professor of Radiology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, fellowship-trained in vascular and interventional radiology (2020). Credentials are on the About page.
-
Dual board-certified Interventional & Diagnostic Radiology
-
American Board of Radiology
-
Associate Professor of Radiology MedStar Georgetown
-
Society of Interventional Radiology SIR
Before you book
PFAE questions we hear at consult
What is plantar fasciitis embolization?
Catheter treatment (PFAE) that reduces extra blood flow feeding inflamed plantar fascia. Results vary.
Can it help morning heel pain?
First-step morning pain is a common consult. Candidacy is confirmed in person.
Is it for plantar fasciitis that will not go away?
That is when people usually ask. It is not for every sore heel.
Is it outpatient?
Yes. It is typically outpatient with same-day discharge when the visit proceeds as planned.