Podiatherm Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy for Neuroma Pain: What to Expect

There’s no way you’re going to miss it if you have a foot condition called Morton’s neuroma. 

Despite shaking out your shoe, you feel as if you’re walking on a pointy, hard pebble, your toes begin to separate, and you might notice a pins and needles sensation or numbness in your foot. 

Even worse, these discomforts can spread to your other toes and make the simple act of walking — never mind running or playing a sport — torture. 

Fortunately, the knowledgeable and caring team of podiatrists at Premier Foot & Ankle has much experience helping patients suffering from neuroma pain and other symptoms that literally stop them in their tracks. 

In addition to educating you about the condition, your Premier Foot & Ankle podiatrist can offer you an innovative treatment to help.

What is a neuroma?

Also known as an intertarsal neuroma, a neuroma is sometimes thought to be a type of tumor. It’s actually a thickening of the tissue that envelops your nerve, and the inflammation causes pain that can be so severe it limits your mobility and makes you truly miserable.

You’re at higher risk for a neuroma if you have a long history of wearing very high-heeled or tight shoes that compress your feet, you work in a field that requires you to stand for long periods, or you love to participate in certain sports, like running. 

There are also risk factors you don’t have control over that increase your chances of developing a neuroma. These include conditions like:

• Bunions
• Hammertoe
• Flat feet

The good news is you don’t have to suffer neuroma symptoms in silence. There are treatments that help, and there’s one we’ve found to be particularly effective.

A breakthrough treatment for neuromas

Premier Foot & Ankle is proud to offer Podiatherm™ treatment to neuroma sufferers, which uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to zap the awful nerve pain caused by your neuroma. Amazingly, the treatment makes it impossible for your affected nerve to transmit pain. Our patients have enthusiastically embraced Podiatherm because it’s:

• Minimally invasive
• Comfortable
• Requires no post-treatment downtime
• Highly successful in easing and eliminating neuroma pain, tingling, and numbness

Patients often wonder if Podiatherm treatment is painful or complicated, and the answer to both of these questions is a resounding “No!” 

When you come to our Premier Foot & Ankle location nearest you, we explain how the procedure will go, ensure that you’re comfortable, and apply a topical numbing agent to your targeted treatment area. 

Next, your podiatrist carefully inserts a needle to deliver the Podiatherm therapy, and in some cases, uses ultrasound imaging to help with correct needle placement. They then test that the needle is in the right location by stimulating your nerve. 

Next, they numb that region in preparation for directing the delivery of the RF energy to several places in the area where you’ve been experiencing pain. 

After Podiatherm treatment, you can go back to your normal life and activities, though you may notice sensitivity for a period of up to several days, as well as numbness. This doesn’t indicate a problem, and it resolves quickly. 

You may sense relief from your neuroma discomfort as soon as the day after treatment, but patients typically notice maximum benefits from Podiatherm after about 4-6 weeks. 

You may need repeat treatment with Podiatherm in about two years, since your nerve regenerates and can become painful again, but plenty of patients don’t experience returned pain after nerve regeneration. 

Don’t ignore neuroma symptoms since failing to treat them puts you at risk for worrisome conditions like chronic foot pain and nerve damage. Podiatherm is often the solution for neuroma patients for whom other treatments, like custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and altered physical activities, haven’t been successful.

To learn more about Podiatherm treatment or to book an appointment, contact one of our five convenient Texas locations. Call today or book online anytime.