Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of persistent heel pain, making it difficult to walk, exercise, or remain on your feet for extended periods. At St. Louis Vascular Surgical Specialists, board-certified vascular surgeon Dr. Robert Hacker offers advanced minimally invasive treatments to help relieve chronic pain and restore your mobility and quality of life.
Plantar Fasciitis: An Overview
Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue running along the bottom of your foot, becomes irritated or inflamed. This tissue supports the arch of your foot and absorbs the forces generated with every step. Repetitive stress, overuse, or excessive strain can create tiny tears that trigger ongoing inflammation and heel pain.
You may notice sharp pain near the bottom of your heel, particularly when taking your first steps in the morning or after sitting for long periods. Although symptoms improve with movement, they frequently return after prolonged standing or physical activity. Without appropriate treatment, plantar fasciitis can become chronic and interfere with your daily activities and exercise routine.
Potential Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis:
- Sharp pain beneath the heel
- Pain with your first steps in the morning
- Heel pain after prolonged sitting or rest
- Pain that worsens after standing for long periods
- Discomfort following exercise or physical activity
- Tenderness along the bottom of the foot
- Stiffness in the arch of the foot
- Pain when climbing stairs
- Increased discomfort after walking barefoot on hard surfaces
- Tightness in the Achilles tendon or calf
- Difficulty walking comfortably
Plantar Fasciitis Embolization in St. Louis
A new, minimally invasive treatment called plantar fasciitis embolization (PFE) is now available. Studies show it delivers strong results with a solid safety record and high success rate. During the procedure, a small catheter is placed into a blood vessel at the ankle or thigh. Our interventional radiologists rely on imaging guidance to navigate the catheter directly to the blood vessels driving your pain and inflammation. Once in place, tiny microparticles are delivered into these arteries to block blood flow to the inflamed tissue. Without that blood supply, the tissue heals on its own, easing pain and discomfort. PFE offers patients a newer, less invasive alternative for treating plantar fasciitis. The skilled physicians at St. Louis Vascular Surgical Specialists are among the earliest in the country to provide this treatment. If surgery isn’t an option for you — or simply isn’t something you want to pursue — we encourage you to book a consultation. We’re also glad to share the details you need so you and your doctor can decide together on the best path forward.
Getting Ready for Your PFE Procedure
Let us know about every medication you’re currently taking, including herbal supplements, along with any allergies — particularly to local anesthetics, medications, or contrast dye (sometimes called “x-ray dye”). You may need to pause aspirin, NSAIDs (like Tylenol or Advil), or blood thinners for a set time leading up to your procedure. Tell us about any recent illness or ongoing medical conditions. If you’re pregnant or think you might be, let us know right away. Many imaging methods, including x-ray, are avoided during pregnancy to protect the fetus from radiation exposure. Unless told otherwise, continue taking your regular medications — especially those for blood pressure. These can usually be taken with a small amount of water the morning of your procedure. You might be asked to avoid eating or drinking for several hours beforehand. Plan on a period of monitoring after the procedure before you’re cleared to leave. You’ll change into a gown ahead of the procedure.
What Happens During the PFE Procedure
Once you arrive on procedure day, you’ll be given light sedation — enough to keep you relaxed and drowsy without putting you fully under. A small incision is made in the groin, where the catheter enters your bloodstream. Using fluoroscopy (a specialized x-ray technique), your physician guides the catheter to the affected arteries in the heel. Tiny embolic particles are then released into the targeted vessel(s) to seal off the blood supply feeding the damaged tissue. The procedure itself lasts roughly an hour, followed by 1–2 hours of observation before you head home.
How Soon Will I Notice Improvement After Treatment?
Recovery and symptom improvement vary from person to person. Some patients begin noticing relief within days, while others experience more gradual improvement over several weeks as inflammation subsides and healing progresses. Dr. Hacker will explain what to expect based on your condition and provide personalized guidance on activity levels and follow-up.
Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. Hacker
St. Louis Vascular Surgical Specialists is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized vascular care with an unwavering focus on your health and long-term mobility. Led by double board-certified, fellowship-trained vascular surgeon Dr. Robert Hacker, our team gives every patient complete and undivided attention while developing individualized treatment plans for conditions affecting the arteries, veins, wounds, and limb preservation. Schedule your consultation today to learn whether plantar fasciitis embolization is right for you.
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At St. Louis Vascular Surgical Specialists, we are committed to providing accessible, high-quality care. We accept most major insurance plans to help meet your healthcare needs. For questions about coverage or to verify your insurance, please contact our office today.
