Radiofrequency Ablation Can Curb Chronic Pain
Chronic heel pain can be a relentless foe, stealing stability and draining the joy from each step you take. When this condition is treatment-resistant, it can feel somewhat hopeless for patients who have been struggling for some time.
The good news? There are newer, more powerful options available these days! If you’ve tried stretching, cortisone injections, and even orthotic insoles, only to find that lasting relief is eluding you, there’s hope on the horizon: Radiofrequency ablation (or RFA). This minimally invasive procedure offers a powerful solution for persistent plantar fasciitis and other sources of heel pain, and at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, we’re proud to provide it. For this blog post, we’ll take steps to educate patients about this unique, effective option.
Radio waves to the rescue!
- RFA targets the source of your pain using heat delivered through thin needles guided by imaging technology.
- Precisely heating those specific nerves allows RFA to disrupt their ability to transmit pain signals, offering long-lasting relief.
Advantages worth considering:
- Minimally invasive: Unlike surgery, RFA is a quick outpatient procedure with minimal risks and scarring.
- Fast recovery: Get back on your feet in no time! Most patients experience significant pain relief within days and return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks.
- Targeted treatment: No need for extensive tissue or nerve damage. RFA precisely targets the pain-causing nerves, leaving surrounding structures unaffected.
- Durability: Studies show RFA offers long-term relief, often surpassing the effectiveness of other heel pain treatments.
- Suitable for “treatment-resistant” cases: If conservative options haven’t worked, RFA can be a viable alternative, offering relief when other methods have failed.
Is RFA suitable for you?
While RFA offers promising results, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Consult your podiatrist to determine if you’re a candidate. This procedure may be particularly suitable if:
- You have chronic heel pain, especially plantar fasciitis, that hasn’t responded to other treatments.
- You are seeking a minimally invasive alternative to surgery.
- You’re a relatively healthy individual with no major medical conditions prior to treatment.
Don’t wait for heel pain to vanish on its own. If you’d like to know more about RFA or other treatment options, Dr. Kenneth Wilhelm is ready to assist you at our office in Centreville, Virginia. To schedule an appointment, call (703) 996-3000 or contact us online today!
