Adding sural nerve pulsed radiofrequency to posterior tibial nerve PRF for chronic heel pain
Does Targeting the Sural Nerve in Addition to the Posterior Tibial Nerve Increase the Effectiveness of Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment in Chronic Plantar Heel Pain?
This project tests whether giving pulsed radiofrequency to the sural nerve in addition to the usual posterior tibial nerve PRF reduces pain and improves foot function in adults with chronic plantar heel pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Diskapi Teaching and Research Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara) |
| Trial ID | NCT07383558 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is an observational, retrospective comparison of patients who received pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) to the posterior tibial nerve alone versus those who also received PRF to the sural nerve as part of routine care. Outcomes include pain measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and function measured by the AOFAS hindfoot score at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment. Patients were not randomized and received treatments based on clinical judgment, with data collected from clinic records. The analysis will compare changes in pain and function between the two groups over the follow-up period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with chronic plantar heel pain who had baseline VAS scores above 5 and received PRF as part of standard care would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with alternative causes of heel pain such as recent foot fracture or tumor, those who are pregnant, on antiplatelet therapy or with coagulopathy, or those with low baseline pain are unlikely to gain additional benefit from adding sural nerve PRF.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If adding sural nerve PRF provides extra relief, patients could experience greater pain reduction and improved foot function than with posterior tibial nerve PRF alone.
How similar studies have performed: There are prior reports of posterior tibial nerve PRF helping heel pain, but using an added sural nerve PRF is less studied and remains relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Age between 18 and 65 years Presence of chronic plantar heel pain Baseline VAS score \>5 Exclusion Criteria: History of foot fracture or tumor Pregnancy Coagulopathy or use of antiplatelet therapy Cognitive impairment preventing informed consent
Where this trial is running
Ankara
- Ayse Betul Acar — Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.