What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes.
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Symptoms:
The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel, which can also spread to the bottom of the foot. This pain is typically worst with the first few steps after awakening, although it can also be triggered by long periods of standing or rising from sitting.
Traditional Treatment Methods:
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Physical Therapy: Exercises to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon and to strengthen lower leg muscles.
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Medications: Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can ease the pain and inflammation.
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Orthotics: Custom-fitted arch supports.
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Steroid Injections: Injecting a steroid medication into the tender area can provide temporary pain relief.
Transarterial Embolization for Plantar Fasciitis at Houston Vein and Vascular:
A revolutionary approach to treating plantar fasciitis is being performed at Houston Vein and Vascular – the Transarterial Embolization (TAE).
How It Works:
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Identifying the Source: Through diagnostic imaging, abnormal blood vessels or vascularization contributing to the inflammation of the plantar fascia are identified.
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The Procedure:
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Access: Under local anesthesia, a small incision is made, typically at the wrist. A catheter is guided to the foot's arteries using X-ray guidance.
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Embolization: Tiny particles are introduced through the catheter, blocking the abnormal blood vessels and effectively reducing the blood supply to the inflamed regions of the plantar fascia.
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Completion: The catheter is removed, and the incision is closed.
Benefits of TAE:
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Minimally Invasive: With a small incision and no sutures, patients often experience quicker recoveries.
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Quick Relief: Many patients report significant pain relief shortly after the procedure.
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Avoidance of Surgery: TAE offers an alternative to more invasive surgical interventions.
Post-Procedure Care:
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Rest: It's advised to rest the foot for a day or two after the procedure.
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Follow-Up: Regular check-ups will be scheduled to monitor healing and evaluate the success of the embolization.
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Return to Activities: Gradual reintroduction to regular activities is typically possible within a week.
Conclusion
Plantar fasciitis can be debilitating, but with advanced treatments like Transarterial Embolization available at Houston Vein and Vascular, there's hope for swift and effective relief. It's crucial to consult with our specialized team to determine the best treatment for your specific condition. Remember, every patient is unique, and personalized care is at the heart of our approach.
For appointments or more details, contact us today.