Chronic heel pain can be frustrating, limiting, and difficult to treat. For many people with plantar fasciitis, conservative options like physical therapy, orthotics, or injections help. But for some, the pain continues for months or even years with no real relief.
That is why new treatment options matter.
We are proud to share that Dr. Mohmmed Margni of the Vascular Institute of Michigan (VIM) has published a peer-reviewed case report on PubMed, one of the most respected medical research databases in the world. His publication documents a first-of-its-kind advancement in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis, describing the first documented use of the dorsalis pedis artery to perform a minimally invasive embolization procedure.
Read the full PubMed article here
Why This Research Is Important for Patients With Chronic Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. While many cases improve with rest and conservative care, chronic plantar fasciitis is often associated with abnormal blood vessel growth and inflammation within the plantar fascia.
In recent years, transarterial embolization (TAE) has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment option for musculoskeletal pain. This approach works by reducing abnormal blood flow that contributes to chronic inflammation and pain.
Until now, published plantar fasciitis embolization cases relied on access through larger arteries such as the femoral artery or posterior tibial artery. Dr. Margni’s research introduces a new approach that may improve both precision and recovery.
A First-in-Literature Technique Using Dorsalis Pedis Access
In this published case report, Dr. Margni and his colleagues describe the first documented use of the dorsalis pedis artery to perform embolization for chronic, treatment-resistant plantar fasciitis.
The dorsalis pedis artery is a small blood vessel located on the top of the foot. Because it sits close to the plantar fascia, it can serve as a direct access point for minimally invasive procedures, allowing the physician to treat the source of pain more precisely.
The patient was a 68-year-old man who had not improved with standard treatments. By accessing the dorsalis pedis artery, Dr. Margni was able to directly target the abnormal blood vessels contributing to inflammation within the plantar fascia.
The case demonstrated several encouraging outcomes. The procedure was completed in under 15 minutes, with minimal blood loss and no complications. These results highlight the potential safety and efficiency of this approach in treating chronic plantar fasciitis.
What Makes This Approach Different
Using the dorsalis pedis artery allows the physician to work closer to the source of heel pain, rather than navigating from larger arteries farther away. This direct access can improve accuracy when targeting the abnormal blood vessels that contribute to chronic plantar fascia inflammation.
The approach may also reduce procedural risk by avoiding larger access points like the femoral artery, which can mean less tissue disruption and fewer complications. Because the access site is smaller and closer to the treatment area, patients may also experience a smoother and faster recovery.
While more research is still needed, this case represents an important step forward in how plantar fasciitis embolization can be performed.
What This Means for Patients at the Vascular Institute of Michigan
For patients, this publication reflects something important. Care at VIM is guided by physicians who are not only experienced clinicians, but also active contributors to medical research.
Dr. Margni’s work helps advance minimally invasive treatment options for people living with chronic pain. It also reinforces VIM’s role as a leader in musculoskeletal embolization, including emerging procedures for conditions that may not respond to traditional therapies.
Learn More About Plantar Fasciitis Embolization
If you have ongoing heel pain that has not improved with conservative treatment, plantar fasciitis embolization may be an option worth exploring. This outpatient procedure is designed to reduce inflammation without surgery, long recovery times, or hospital stays.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact the Vascular Institute of Michigan. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you explore whether a minimally invasive treatment could help relieve your pain.
