National Heel Pain Institute
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10M+
Americans with plantar fasciitis
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90%
Achieve relief without surgery
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<30min
Minimally invasive procedure
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1visit
Walk out same day
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| On This Page: | About Plantar Fasciitis PFE Treatment Dr. Kominsky Who We Treat FAQ |
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Introducing the Institute A Dedicated Center of Excellence for Heel PainThe National Heel Pain Institute was established with one singular mission: to deliver the most advanced, minimally invasive treatments for chronic heel pain available anywhere in the world. As a specialty division of Advanced Spine and Pain in Phoenix, Arizona, we bring the precision and innovation of interventional pain medicine directly to foot and ankle care — delivering results unlike anything available at a standard podiatry clinic. "No patient should be forced to choose between living in pain and going under the knife." |
 Chronic heel pain affects millions of Americans, but surgery is not the only answer. |
 Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed and damaged at the heel bone, causing chronic, debilitating pain. |
Chronic Plantar Fasciitis The Most Undertreated Condition in Musculoskeletal MedicinePlantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in adults — yet it remains one of the most mismanaged conditions in musculoskeletal medicine. The plantar fascia becomes inflamed, scarred, and structurally compromised, causing the stabbing, debilitating heel pain that makes even the first steps of the morning unbearable. Conventional treatments — stretching, orthotics, cortisone injections, physical therapy — provide temporary relief at best. For the estimated 10% of patients who develop chronic, refractory plantar fasciitis, these approaches simply fail. Until now, those patients were told surgery was their only option. |
Plantar Fasciitis Embolization
The Future of Heel Pain Treatment
PFE is a breakthrough, image-guided procedure that eliminates the root cause of chronic heel pain — without surgery, without lengthy recovery, and without compromise.
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Step 01
Comfort First
Local anesthetic and mild sedation. No general anesthesia. No operating room. You remain relaxed and aware throughout.
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Step 02
Precision Access
A micro-catheter thinner than a strand of spaghetti is inserted through a small puncture. Dr. Kominsky navigates to the affected vessels with millimeter-level accuracy using real-time imaging.
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Step 03
Targeted Relief
Tiny microspheres cut off blood supply to the abnormal vessels feeding inflammation — halting the pain cycle at its source and triggering the body's natural healing response.
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Step 04
Walk Out Same Day
30-60 minutes total. Fully outpatient. Patients go home the same day and resume light activity within days — with progressive pain relief in the weeks that follow.
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Expert, hands-on evaluation at every step of your care.
 Dr. Stephen Kominsky, DPM
Founder and Medical Director
National Heel Pain Institute |
Led by a World-Renowned Expert Decades of Innovation in Foot and Ankle CareDr. Stephen Kominsky is one of the nation's foremost authorities in foot and ankle reconstructive surgery and a pioneer in the minimally invasive management of chronic heel pain. With decades of clinical experience, Dr. Kominsky has helped thousands of patients avoid surgery and reclaim their lives. His approach is defined by precision, compassion, and an unrelenting commitment to non-invasive solutions — assembling a clinical program that represents the very best of modern medicine without the risks of traditional surgery.
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Who We Treat
A Definitive Solution for Patients Who Have Run Out of Options
We specialize in patients who have not found lasting relief through conventional treatment and are looking for an expert who takes their pain seriously.
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3+ Months of Heel Pain
Persistent heel pain that hasn't resolved with rest or basic treatment.
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Failed Conservative Treatment
Orthotics, stretching, physical therapy, or cortisone injections haven't provided lasting relief.
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Told Surgery Is Next
You've been told surgery may be your only option and are looking for a non-surgical alternative.
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Active Individual or Athlete
Seeking to return to full performance without the downtime of traditional surgery.
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Seeking a Second Opinion
Want to fully explore all options before committing to a surgical procedure.
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Not sure if you qualify? Call us and we'll help you find out. |
Back on your feet — and back to doing what you love.
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For Physicians A Note to Referring PhysiciansThe National Heel Pain Institute welcomes referrals from primary care physicians, orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, sports medicine specialists, and pain management providers. We are committed to transparent, collaborative care — keeping referring providers fully informed and ensuring patients return to your practice for ongoing management. Expedited referral pathways are available for patients with acute or rapidly progressing symptoms. Expedited Referrals Available |
Contact Our Team
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Have Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Plantar Fasciitis Embolization (PFE)?
PFE is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that treats chronic heel pain by targeting abnormal blood vessel growth in the plantar fascia. It takes 30-60 minutes with no general anesthesia and patients go home the same day.
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Is PFE surgery?
No. PFE is not surgery. It is performed through a small puncture with no incisions, no operating room, and no general anesthesia. Patients walk out the same day.
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Who is a candidate for PFE?
Ideal candidates have heel pain lasting more than 3 months, have tried conservative treatments without lasting relief, or have been told surgery is their only option. We also welcome second opinions.
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How long does PFE relief last?
PFE delivers lasting relief by eliminating the root cause of inflammation rather than masking it. Most patients experience progressive pain relief in the weeks following the procedure.
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What makes NHPI different from a podiatry clinic?
NHPI is a dedicated center of excellence for chronic heel pain, not a general practice. We bring interventional pain medicine expertise directly to foot and ankle care, led by Dr. Stephen Kominsky, DPM.
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Where is the National Heel Pain Institute located?
The National Heel Pain Institute is located in Phoenix, Arizona as a specialty division of Advanced Spine and Pain. Call (480) 573-0130 or visit asappaindocs.com to schedule.
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National Heel Pain Institute | ADVANCED SPINE AND PAIN
Stop Living in Pain.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Kominsky today. Relief may be closer than you think.
| Schedule a Consultation |