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Radiofrequency therapy targeting the peripheral nerves, innervating ankle and foot can be effective in the management of chronic ankle and foot pain.
According to a review published in 'Current Pain and Headache Reports', the radiofrequency treatment is safe and effective for the foot and ankle pain management. Chronic pain management of lower extremity remains a challenging task. The radiofrequency treatment uses heat to nerve fibres intending to decrease the chronic pain conditions. The clinical efficacy of pathologies of the ankle and foot have not been fully explained. The study investigators deduced the use and efficacy of radiofrequency treatment for foot and ankle pain.
Orhurhu V and investigators searched the PubMed and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (final search done on 30 March 2018) using the MeSH terms "analgesia", "neurolysis," "radiofrequency ablation," "radiofrequency therapy," "pain syndrome," "plantar heel pain," "plantar fascitis," and "chronic pain" in the English literature. Out of the total of 23 papers screened, 18 were further examined for relevance. It was found that the final search methodology yielded 15 studies that assessed the use of radiofrequency treatment at the ankle. These 15 studies comprised of 3 randomized control trials, four prospective studies, three retrospective studies, and 5 case reports. The Cochrane risk of bias instrument was used to evaluate the quality of selected publications. The evidence from the research supported that radiofrequency treatment can be used safely for the management of foot and ankle pain. Although, the technique (continuous vs pulsatile), temperature, location of treatment, and duration of administration need more thorough assessment.
The study investigators concluded, "Randomized control trials are required to establish the efficacy and safety profile of radiofrequency ablation and its long-term advantages in patients suffering from chronic pain of the foot and ankle."
Current Pain and Headache Reports
A Systematic Review of Radiofrequency Treatment of the Ankle for the Management of Chronic Foot and Ankle Pain
Orhurhu V et al.
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