How to Prepare for Plantar Fasciitis Embolization: Your Complete Pre-Procedure Guide
If you’ve been dealing with chronic heel pain for months — and you’ve finally decided to explore plantar fasciitis embolization (PFE) — you’ve already taken a meaningful step forward. It’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty before any medical procedure, even a minimally invasive one. The good news is that preparing for PFE is straightforward, and knowing what to expect ahead of time can help everything go smoothly.
At Fox Vein & Vascular, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before your plantar fasciitis embolization — from your initial consultation with Dr. David Fox, MD, FACS, RPVI, to what you should bring on the day of your procedure.
- Minimally invasive treatments
- Board-certified vascular surgeon
- No hospital stay
- Fast recovery
- Personalized care
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Your Pre-Procedure Consultation
Your preparation begins well before the day of the procedure itself. The first step is a thorough consultation at our Manhattan office, where Dr. Fox will evaluate whether PFE is the right option for you. This visit is an important part of the process and sets the foundation for a successful outcome.
During your consultation, Dr. Fox will:
- Review your imaging— MRI or ultrasound results that show the condition of your plantar fascia and any evidence of neovascularity (abnormal blood vessel growth that sustains inflammation in the heel)
- Discuss your medical history— including previous treatments you’ve tried, such as physical therapy, orthotics, cortisone injections, or shockwave therapy
- Review your current medications— to identify anything that may need to be temporarily adjusted before the procedure
- Set realistic expectations— including how the procedure works, the recovery timeline, and when you can expect to feel improvement
If you haven’t had recent imaging, Dr. Fox may order an MRI or diagnostic ultrasound to confirm that your heel pain is consistent with chronic plantar fasciitis and to identify the abnormal blood vessels that PFE targets. To learn more about who is a good candidate for PFE, visit our candidacy page.
Medications to Discuss With Dr. Fox
One of the most important parts of preparation is reviewing your medications with Dr. Fox. Certain medications and supplements can affect bleeding or interact with the procedure, and some may need to be temporarily paused or adjusted.
Medications and supplements to discuss include:
- Blood thinners(such as warfarin, Eliquis, or Xarelto) — these may need to be temporarily held before the procedure, but only under Dr. Fox’s direct guidance
- Anti-inflammatory medications(such as ibuprofen or naproxen) — may be paused in the days leading up to your procedure
- Diabetes medications— particularly insulin, which may require dosage adjustments on the day of the procedure
- Supplements that affect bleeding— including fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, and certain herbal supplements
Important: Do NOT stop or change any medication on your own. Always discuss medication adjustments directly with Dr. Fox and your prescribing physician. Your safety is the top priority, and any changes will be carefully coordinated with your broader care team.
The Week Before Your Procedure
With your consultation complete and your medications reviewed, the week before your procedure is about practical preparation. There are no dramatic lifestyle changes required — just a few simple steps to make sure your procedure day goes as smoothly as possible.
Here’s what to do in the days leading up to your appointment:
- Confirm your appointmentwith our office if you haven’t already
- Arrange transportation— you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure, as you may receive light sedation
- Plan for 1-2 days of light activityafterward — most patients return to normal routines within 24 to 48 hours, but it’s a good idea to keep your schedule flexible
- Fill any prescriptionsthat Dr. Fox may have provided during your consultation
- Stay well hydrated— proper hydration makes it easier for the care team on procedure day
This is also a good time to read through our guide on what to expect during your PFE consultation if you’d like a refresher on the process.
The Day Before Your Procedure
The day before your PFE is all about keeping things simple and setting yourself up for a relaxed morning.
- Eat light, balanced mealsthroughout the day — there’s no need for any special diet
- Continue to stay hydrated— drink plenty of water
- Avoid alcohol— it can affect hydration and bleeding, so it’s best to skip it the night before
- Lay out comfortable clothingfor the next morning — loose-fitting pants or shorts and open-toed shoes or sandals are ideal, since your access point will be near the ankle or top of the foot
- Confirm your ride— double-check that your driver knows when and where to pick you up
Try to get a good night’s sleep. Remember, this is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia — not surgery. Most patients find the experience much easier than they expected.
What to Bring on Procedure Day
Keeping your bag simple will make the day less stressful. Here’s a quick checklist of what to bring:
- Photo ID(driver’s license or passport)
- Insurance card
- A list of your current medications— including dosages
- Comfortable, loose clothing— especially around the feet and ankles
- Loose shoes or sandals— something easy to slip on and off
- Something to pass the time— a book, podcast, or show downloaded on your phone or tablet (the procedure typically takes 45 to 90 minutes, and you’ll be awake and comfortable)
Leave valuables and jewelry at home. You won’t need them, and it’s one less thing to keep track of.
Morning of Your Procedure
On the morning of your PFE, Dr. Fox’s team will provide you with specific instructions tailored to your situation. In general, here’s what to keep in mind:
Fasting instructions — if sedation is planned, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for a set period before your appointment. Dr. Fox will let you know in advance whether this applies to you
Medications — take only the medications Dr. Fox has approved for the morning of the procedure, with a small sip of water
Arrive on time — plan to arrive at our Manhattan office at the time specified by our team, allowing a few minutes for check-in paperwork
Wear comfortable clothing — loose-fitting pants or shorts and sandals or open-toed shoes are best, so the care team can easily access the treatment area
Leave jewelry at home — rings, bracelets, and anklets should be left behind
What NOT to Worry About
If you’re feeling nervous, that’s completely understandable — but here are a few things you can take off your worry list:
- This is not surgery.PFE is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure — not an open operation. There are no large incisions, no stitches, and no general anesthesia.
- You won’t need to stay overnight.PFE is a same-day procedure. You’ll go home the same day, typically within a couple of hours of the procedure finishing.
- You’ll be awake and comfortable.The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, with light sedation available if you prefer. Most patients feel little to no pain during the procedure itself.
- Recovery is quick.Most patients are back to light activity within 24 to 48 hours. You can learn more about what daily life looks like after PFE.
- You’re in experienced hands.Fox is a board-certified vascular surgeon with more than 28 years of experience. He uses the same advanced embolization techniques trusted for genicular artery embolization (GAE) for knee osteoarthritis — applied here to the abnormal blood vessels that sustain chronic heel pain.
The overwhelming feedback from patients is that the experience was much easier than they anticipated. By the time you’ve finished reading this guide, you’re already more prepared than most.
David Fox, MD, FACS
- Double Board-Certified Vascular Surgeon
- Attending Vascular Surgeon, Lenox Hill Hospital
Dr. Fox has over two decades of experience diagnosing and treating venous and arterial conditions using the latest minimally invasive techniques. His approach is focused on precision, safety, and helping patients avoid major surgery whenever possible.
Real people. Real results.
Dr. Fox is an outstanding surgeon. Him and his staff explains everything clearly which makes for a smoother process. I've recommended him to family and several close friends, and they've all had the same excellent experience. If you want top-tier expertise with genuine compassion, Dr. Fox is the best. Highly recommend!
I had a very positive experience at Fox Vein Care. The doctor took time to explain everything clearly and made me feel comfortable throughout the process. The staff was also friendly and helpful. Overall, I felt well taken care of and am happy with my results. Highly recommended!
I had a great experience at this doctor's office. The doctor treated me with genuine care and respect, was very patient, and took the time to truly listen to my concerns. He explained everything clearly and gave thoughtful, helpful advice. I never felt rushed, and I left feeling confident and well taken care of. Highly recommend.
Dr. Fox is outstanding. He explains everything patiently and well. His staff is both efficient and kind. I wouldn't go anywhere else for vascular issues.
I have been a patient of Dr. Fox since he was at Roosevelt Hospital on 59th Street in Manhattan. He's the best, hands down! And his Staff are the best at what they do, along with excellent bedside manners. Crystal is the Greatest!
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re ready to explore whether plantar fasciitis embolization is right for you, contact Fox Vein & Vascular to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fox.
Call us: (212) 362-3470 Visit: Contact Us Location: Manhattan, New York
Dr. Fox and his team will review your imaging, discuss your treatment history, and help you understand whether PFE could be the right next step for your chronic heel pain.
Schedule a Consultation
We’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.