Lasting Heel Pain Relief Through Minimally Invasive Radiofrequency Ablation

Plantar fasciitis accounts for 80% of cases of heel pain. While many cases improve with conservative treatments, chronic symptoms may require a different approach.

At Alpine Foot and Ankle, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Andrew McCall, DPM, FACFAS, provides comprehensive care for persistent heel pain. For patients who continue to struggle with chronic plantar fasciitis or heel pain from other causes, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) offers a nonsurgical option for lasting relief.

Overcoming chronic plantar fasciitis

The plantar fascia supports your foot's arch and absorbs stress with each step. Repetitive strain, tight calf muscles, and prolonged standing or walking contributes to irritation, leading to the characteristic sharp or stabbing heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis.

Pain usually feels worse during your first steps after waking up or after sitting for an extended period. Initial treatment typically focuses on reducing stress on the plantar fascia through stretching, physical therapy, supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and other conservative measures. 

However, when pain continues despite these approaches, RFA may be worth discussing with a foot and ankle specialist like Dr. McCall.

How radiofrequency ablation relieves heel pain

RFA uses controlled radiofrequency energy to generate heat around a targeted sensory nerve. This disrupts the nerve's ability to transmit pain signals, which eases plantar fasciitis pain. It offers an alternative for appropriately selected patients seeking nonsurgical pain management.

Research supports RFA for improving chronic plantar fasciitis pain. 

In one recent study comparing RFA with extracorporeal shockwave therapy in patients with plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, both treatments significantly improved pain and foot function. The RFA group also demonstrated improvements in foot-related disability, limitations on daily activities, and an increase in overall functioning. 

When compared to surgery, both minimally invasive RFA and surgical intervention provide comparable pain reduction and improved function, according to research. 

As an added benefit, RFA leads to a quicker recovery and return to activities than surgery.

RFA for nerve entrapment and heel bursitis

Nerve entrapment occurs when a nerve is compressed or irritated, and this can also lead to chronic heel pain. Some patients experience overlapping symptoms, making an accurate diagnosis essential.

RFA can also treat chronic pain related to heel bursitis, which involves inflammation of the bursae of the heel. Bursae are small protective cushioning sacs located at the back of the heel that act as shock absorbers. Chronic inflammation of these sacs can lead to persistent heel pain.

A thorough evaluation helps determine whether plantar fasciitis, nerve irritation, or another condition is responsible for your symptoms and whether RFA is an appropriate option.

Find a lasting solution for heel pain

RFA offers a minimally invasive option that may reduce persistent heel pain and help restore comfortable movement.

At Alpine Foot and Ankle, Dr. McCall brings extensive experience in foot and ankle care to the diagnosis and treatment of heel pain. He carefully assesses your symptoms, reviews previous treatments, and recommends individualized plans based on each patient's needs.

If plantar fasciitis or nerve-related heel pain is keeping you from the activities you enjoy, contact Alpine Foot and Ankle in Idaho Falls, Idaho, or Alpine, Wyoming, to schedule a consultation. Trust our team to help you get on the road to lasting pain relief.