Do you suffer from heel pain? Chronic heel pain is often caused by plantar fasciitis, a condition characterized by inflammation in the plantar fascia, a thick band that connects your heel to your toes.
Plantar fasciitis affects 1 in 10 people, with more than 2 million people in the U.S. treated for it each year.
What is Plantar Fascia Embolization (PFE)?
PFE is a minimally invasive procedure that targets chronic heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis. This treatment reduces inflammation and promotes long-lasting relief by blocking specific blood vessels supplying the affected area.
Our experienced vascular surgeons use imaging technology to guide the procedure. Tiny particles are injected to reduce blood flow, easing inflammation and pain.
This procedure offers several advantages over traditional surgical treatment, including:
- Minimal risk of infection
- Patient sees benefits as soon as 3 days post-procedure
- No need for lengthy rehab
- Little to no scarring
- Performed under conscious sedation
- Over 84% of patients show noticeable improvement
PFE is an outpatient procedure (no hospital stay) performed under light sedation, which leaves the patient with minimal risk and a shorter recovery.
Are you ready to experience life without heel pain?
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How Effective is PFE in Treating Plantar Fasciitis?
PFE is a highly effective procedure in treating heel pain present due to plantar fasciitis, with over 84% of patients showing noticeable improvement. The procedure was created to reduce inflammation and has a track record for helping patients experience long-lasting pain relief.
Am I a Candidate for PFE?
Those at risk of developing plantar fasciitis are typically women or individuals between ages 45-64. Other risks include being overweight or spending a lot of time on your feet.
You may be a candidate for PFE if you experience issues such as:
- Chronic heel pain
- Persistent foot discomfort
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Pain that is worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity
- Symptoms lasting over one year
- Failed conservative treatments (medications, physical therapy, etc.)
Contact our team if you would like to know more about what qualifies a patient for PFE.
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What Should I Expect During a PFE Procedure?
Before an APEX Vascular provider performs PFE, you will need to participate in a comprehensive evaluation to ensure that the procedure is right for you.
PFE is an outpatient medical procedure performed under light sedation. Your vascular surgeon will inject a small catheter into the blood vessel at the ankle. Using advanced imaging technology, we will use the catheter to dispense tiny particles to block the blood supply to the affected blood vessels.
The blocked blood vessels help reduce inflammation in your heel, which is what causes you pain and discomfort. The procedure usually takes less than an hour.
In the weeks following your procedure, you may experience mild pain or swelling shortly after the treatment, but these are normal postoperative symptoms that go away after a few days.
What Should I Expect During PFE Recovery?
Since PFE is an outpatient procedure, you will be able to recover from the comfort of your own home. After a short recuperation period in our office monitored by our staff, we will send you on your way with the necessary information to help your speedy recovery. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days of the procedure.
PFE recovery is made easy by:
- Minimal risk of infection
- No need for lengthy rehab
- Little to no scarring
We may request a follow-up visit to evaluate your treatment results and progress. Most patients notice pain relief within three days after PFE. Inflammation continues to decrease in the months following, allowing you to enjoy a more active, pain-free lifestyle!
To learn if you should be screened for plantar fasciitis or if you think you are a candidate for PFE, call APEX Vascular or book an appointment online today.
