New Treatment - Radio Frequency (RF) Therapy for Heel Pain
Pain can manifest itself in several areas within the foot, particularly at the heel and near the toes. These occurrences can be the result of injury, as well as changes in the anatomy and or patient lifestyle. Pain in the heel has been the most common complaint; however many patients report pain near the toes, often due to compression and irritation of the nerves.
How do I know if I have Nerve Related Foot Pain?
The foot is susceptible to multiple injuries and inflammatory conditions that can be treated via Radio Frequency Therapy. Moreover, patients who have been treated previously with physical therapy or orthotics may continue to experience pain. Patients who feel a sensation such as burning, tingling, or numbness may be affected by peripheral nerve entrapment, either in the heel or at the toes. Entrapment occurs when inflamed and swollen ligaments, tendons, and muscles constrict the narrow areas in which nerves pass.
However, some patients may not experience the above-mentioned symptoms, instead, they may have pain radiating along the foot upon waking in the morning or upon standing up after an extended period seated; this pain my be temporary or remain present throughout the day.
 What is Radio Frequency (RF) Therapy?
RF Therapy uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt nerve function. The RF energy causes heat to be generated in a very precise area. When this is done to a peripheral nerve, such as those found in the foot, the nerve can no longer transmit pain from the site.
What happens during RF Therapy?
The procedure is done in your doctor's office. No general anesthetic is used during RF Therapy. However, a local anesthetic may be used to numb your skin. The doctor will then insert a thin needle near the point of pain. The doctor may choose to use ultrasound to guide the placement of the needle.
 The doctor will then check to make sure the needle is at the correct nerve by stimulating the nerve. This may cause muscle twitching and provoke some of your pain. Then the doctor checks to make sure no motor nerves are inside the treatment area. Some patients may notice a tapping sensation.
Once the needle has been properly placed, the area will be numbed with more local anesthetic placed deeper within your foot. You may experience some stinging sensation during the injection. The doctor will allow a few moments for the anesthetic to begin working. Radiofrequency energy will then be applied to the problem nerve pathways. This is often performed at more than one location to ensure the pain has been completely alleviated. Each application, or (burn), of the nerves take 90 seconds and is done at a temperature of 80 or 90 degrees Celsius. Your doctor will determine which is appropriate for you based on the location of your pain.
What can I do before RF Therapy?
There is nothing special you need to do before your procedure. Your physician may request that you apply ice packs a day or two before treatment to reduce inflammation in the area to be treated. Your physician will advise you if any such actions are necessary.
What happens after RF Therapy?
You will be monitored after the RF Therapy. When you are ready to leave, you will be given discharge instructions. Since only the area has been numbed, you should be able to walk out of the clinic on your own. Take it easy for the rest of the day.
You may also be given a pain diary. It is important to fill this out because it helps your doctor know how the RF Therapy is working.
You may feel sore for one to four days. This is normal and is due in large part the needle inserted into your foot. Your foot may feel weak, numb or itchy for a couple of weeks. The full pain relief from the procedure usually comes in four to six weeks.
If you received RF Therapy for inter-digital neuritis (pain at the toes), then the toes that have been painful before the procedure may be numb post-therapy. This numbness may or may not be permanent.
How long can I expect pain relief?
Nerves can regenerate after RF Therapy, but how long this takes varies. Your pain may or may not return when the nerves regenerate. If it does, another RF Therapy can be done.
Reference:
- Ayub, A.; Yale, S.H.; Bibbo, C. (2005). Common Foot Disorders. Clinical Medicine & Research, 3(2): 116-119.
- Tallia, A.F.; Cardone, D.A. (2003). Diagnostic and Therapeutic Injection of the Ankle and Foot. American Family Physician, 68(7):1356-1362
- Aldridge, T. (2004). Diagnosing Heel Pain in Adults. American Family Physician, 70(2):332-338
- NIH (2007). Peripheral Neuropathy Fact Sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Last updated February 26, 2007. Retrieved March 19, 2007
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