Ultrasound-guided Pulsed Radiofrequency for Plantar Fasciitis

Ultrasound-guided Pulsed Radiofrequency Stimulation of the Tibial Nerve for Plantar Fasciitis

Although there are many conservative method for plantar fasciitis, patients might spend 2 years to achieve resolution. Recent study have shown that pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) lesioning of peripheral nerve can alleviate kinds of pain condition. However there are no studies of PRF lesioning of the tibial nerve in patients with plantar fascilitis by using ultrasound-guided (UG) techniques.

Patients with unilateral plantar Fasciitis will be enrolled and randomized into intervention and control group. One dose of sono-guided PRF is applied in the intervention group and xylocaine in control group. Outcome measurements included visual analog scale (VAS)、foot health status questionnaire and the thickness of plantar fascile measured by musculoskeletal ultrasonography at different follow-up frame (4th week, 2nd month, 3rd month after treatment).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Heel pain more than 3 months
• Age more than 20 year-old
• The increased thickness of plantar fascile (>4mm) measured by sonography
• Must be conscious
• Not receive steroid or other injection in plantar fascile in past 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cancer of any site
• Coagulopathy
• Pregnancy
• Inflammation status