A prospective, randomized, double-blinded study with crossover to determine the efficacy of radio-frequency nerve ablation for the treatment of heel pain

Adam S. Landsman, Dominic J. Catanese, Steven N. Wiener, Douglas H. Richie, Jason R. Hanft

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that radio-frequency nerve ablation (RFNA) can be an effective treatment for plantar fasciosis. This study provides additional evidence in support of this treatment, with statistically significant data that demonstrate the success of this technique. Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, prospective, double-blinded study with crossover, 17 patients were divided into two groups, with eight initially receiving RFNA treatment and nine initially receiving sham treatment. If no improvement was observed after 4 weeks, a crossover was offered. Results of the treatment were evaluated by the patient and by a blinded physician using a visual analog pain scale to rate first-step pain, average pain, and peak pain in the heel region. Results: We observed a statistically significant improvement in the symptoms of plantar fasciosis in patients actively treated with RFNA and no significant improvement in the sham-treated group. More important, those treated with sham subsequently demon-strated statistically significant improvement after subsequent RFNA treatment. Conclusions: Using a prospective, randomized study with sham treatment and crossover, this study demonstrates the efficacy of RFNA for the treatment of plantar fasciosis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)8-15
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of the American Podiatric Medical Association
Volume103
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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