SANDS POINT, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 26, 2018 / Heel pain is one of the most common ailments that I see as a Podiatrist and most podiatrists would say the same. Over one million patients visit the doctor for heel pain every year. The cause of most heel pain is plantar fasciitis and heel spur syndrome. There is a band of tissue that attaches to the bottom or plantar part of the heel bone that pulls as we bear weight and walk. Over time this pulling on the heel can cause inflammation and pain. The heel or calcaneus bone forms a shelf or spur on the bottom form this pulling. The most common symptom is pain on the inside and bottom of the heel upon getting out of bed in the morning and after rising from chair or periods of rest. The pain can be so intense as to cause a limp. As we rest or sleep this band of tissue is relaxed and upon putting weight on the feet the pulling initiates pain.
Conservative ways to treat this problem include anti-inflammatory corticosteroid injection, taping, use of custom orthotic arch supports, and anti-inflammatory pills. These treatments are effective about half the time. In stubborn cases where the pain is still present, stretching exercise and physical therapy may be done. Many patients get the best long-term results with Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation.
A top treatment option that has gained momentum with its success is Radiofrequency Surgery. With Radiofrequency (RF) procedure the nerve that sends the pain signal to the brain, the medial calcaneal nerve, is vaporized using radio frequency waves. The procedure is minimally invasive with little downtime and mild pain afterward.
Monofilaments similar to needles are placed in the foot at the point of pain near the nerve. These filaments are attached to a device that sends in either thermal or pulses RF waves to get rid of the nerve in that area of the heel so that the pain is stopped. This seals off the nerve. The signal of pain that the nerve sends up the leg, spine and into the brain which is felt as pain is now removed.
Thermal RF has been used for decades by pain doctors to treat back, lumbar, cervical spine pain and joint pain. It is a safe and effective remedy with little healing necessary. Patients are encouraged to walk right away after the procedure.
The other type of RF is Pulse Radiofrequency. This method has proven to be more effective with fewer side effects than the Thermal way. It is called Pulse because the waves are sent in pulses which allows the tissue to cool down. Since the tissue can cool down there is an advantage with less risk of inflammation caused by excessive heat. A treatment stay of over 100 patients showed better results with the Pulse RF over the Thermal RF. Overall, after several months the Pulse patient had less pain.
Please call Dr. William Levine, 646-401-4134 to find out more about this wonderful procedure.
About Dr. William Levine of Sands Point, New York
Dr. William Levine is a podiatric physician specializing in the medical, biomedical, and surgical treatment of the foot and ankle with an emphasis on sports medicine. His interest in sports medicine was a natural progression from his background in running and cycling.
Doctor Levine has always been passionate about sports and committed to a weaving sports medicine into his career and Dr. Levine states emphatically. "To me, sports medicine is more than specialty. It is also a philosophy of keeping active people on their feet. This includes not only the elite athlete but anyone whose lifestyle requires them to stand and move." As an athlete and a doctor, Dr. Levine has the advantage of practicing what he preaches.
SOURCE: Dr. William Levine