Plantar fasciitis (heel spur) is a common condition that negatively affects many people’s daily activities. When traditional methods fail to provide sufficient relief, the radiofrequency ablation method is employed. This treatment offers permanent solutions for chronic pain. It is performed after a test injection under local anesthesia. Patients can return to their normal lives shortly after the procedure. Thus, radiofrequency ablation stands out as an effective and rapid recovery method.
What Is Radiofrequency Treatment for Heel Spurs?
The radiofrequency method used for heel spur treatment minimizes pain and discomfort, offering rapid recovery. Radiofrequency is an effective alternative for treating bony protrusions in the heel caused by excessive stress. This method provides advantages, especially in cases that do not require surgical intervention. The treatment process is generally brief, and patients can immediately resume daily activities afterward. During the procedure, radiofrequency energy is applied directly to the painful area. As a result, patients undergoing heel spur treatment with radiofrequency show significant improvement. Radiofrequency treatment:
- Does not require an operating room
- Can be performed in an outpatient clinic
- Provides rapid and effective recovery
The treatment is typically performed under local anesthesia. Afterward, patients can immediately return to their normal activities.
Who Gets Heel Spurs?
Heel spurs arise from continuous load on the feet. This condition is especially common among athletes. Movements such as running and jumping trigger heel spurs. It is more frequently seen in middle-aged individuals, as aging causes changes in foot structure and tissues. However, heel spurs are not limited to these groups; they can occur at any age and under any conditions. Non-athletes and young individuals are also at risk. Additionally, professions requiring prolonged standing are risk factors for heel spurs. Risk groups include:
- Those engaged in intense sports activities
- Middle-aged individuals
- Professions involving prolonged standing
This is an important factor to consider in heel spur treatment. Radiofrequency offers an effective solution for individuals across this broad risk spectrum.
What Are the Symptoms of Heel Spurs?
Heel spur symptoms typically appear when first stepping out of bed in the morning. The intense pain felt with the first steps also occurs after periods of inactivity. This gradually increasing heel pain can sometimes occur suddenly, especially after a jump or when taking a step. Pain intensity can vary throughout the day:
- Worsens in the morning and after inactivity.
- May decrease somewhat with activity.
- Increases after prolonged standing or intense exercise.
Pain-triggering factors include walking barefoot or wearing poorly supportive shoes. These factors exacerbate pain in individuals with heel spurs. The characteristic pain of heel spurs can affect daily life and limit mobility.
How Is Heel Spur Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a heel spur involves identifying the underlying causes of heel pain. Nerve entrapment in the foot or back and stress fractures in the heel bone can also cause heel pain. Additionally, thinning of the fat pad under the heel is another possible source of pain. Considering these conditions, a careful evaluation by a physician is necessary to diagnose a heel spur. Diagnosis typically involves:
- Taking a medical history
- Conducting a physical examination
If needed, imaging tests are used. Although heel spurs are common, not all heel pain is due to a spur, and spurs often do not cause pain, making major intervention rarely necessary.
How Is Home Treatment for Heel Spurs?
Simple home methods can be highly effective for heel spur issues. Patients can alleviate their pain by adjusting daily habits. Simple exercises performed at home provide significant relief. Movements that increase flexibility in the sole of the foot are particularly important.
- Use a tennis ball to roll under your foot back and forth.
- Apply ice to the painful area during rest to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Regularly performing these steps at home can effectively address heel spur problems. These home methods contribute to a comfortable recovery process.
What Is Radiofrequency and What Conditions Does It Treat?
- Image of radiofrequency treatment for heel spur
Radiofrequency involves applying electrical energy in a controlled manner to tissues. This technique is effective in treating various conditions using insulated-tip electrodes. Electrodes are connected to a device that delivers current to problematic areas, producing a therapeutic effect. This method can address many health issues, playing a key role in pain management and recovery processes. Conditions commonly treated with radiofrequency include:
- Knee pain and osteoarthritis
- Shoulder pain and frozen shoulder
- Back, neck, and spinal disc herniations
- Heel spurs
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Sacroiliac joint disorders
- Mechanical pain from posture
This method is particularly effective in relieving chronic pain and improving mobility. The treatment process significantly enhances patients’ quality of life and enables a more active lifestyle.
What Are the Advantages of Radiofrequency?
The advantages of radiofrequency treatment for heel spurs are noteworthy. This method does not require surgery, so patients do not need general anesthesia or an operating room. The procedure can be performed in a sterile outpatient setting. Additionally, radiofrequency treatment is virtually painless. Patients can return home immediately after the procedure, minimizing impact on their quality of life. Factors that enhance safety during treatment include:
- Continuous monitoring of the treatment area on a screen
- A device that is controllable and precise
These features make radiofrequency both safe and effective.
Additional Resources and Documents
https://ozgurkilickesmez.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Pulsed-Radiofrequency-Nerve-Ablation-in-the.pdf
https://ozgurkilickesmez.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/radiofrequency-ablation-in-the-treatment-of.pdf
Prof. Dr. Özgür Kılıçkesmez graduated from Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty in 1997. He completed his specialization at Istanbul Education and Research Hospital. He received training in interventional radiology and oncology in London. He founded the interventional radiology department at Istanbul Çam and Sakura City Hospital and became a professor in 2020. He holds many international awards and certificates, has over 150 scientific publications, and has been cited more than 1500 times. He is currently working at Medicana Ataköy Hospital.
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