The use of the ipsilateral dorsalis pedis artery approach for transarterial embolization in symptomatic chronic plantar fasciitis: a case report

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, and while most cases respond to conservative management, some remain refractory to treatment. Chronic cases are associated with abnormal neovascularization and increased fascial vascularity. Transcatheter embolization (TAE) has recently emerged as a minimally invasive alternative for musculoskeletal pain, though prior plantar fasciitis cases have primarily used femoral or posterior tibial access. We report the first case of chronic, treatment-resistant plantar fasciitis successfully managed with TAE via the ipsilateral Dorsalis Pedis artery. A 68-year-old male (BMI 40.46 kg/m²) underwent targeted embolization of hypervascular medial plantar branches using Imipenem-Cilastatin (2 mL). The procedure was completed in under 15 minutes, with minimal blood loss and no complications. The ipsilateral Dorsalis Pedis approach enables more precise targeting and reduced radiation exposure compared with posterior tibial access, while offering fewer complications and faster recovery compared with femoral access-representing a novel and effective option.