by Last updated on February 20th, 2023 at 04:49 pm
Morton’s Neuroma is a common and painful foot condition that affects many individuals, particularly women who wear tight-fitting shoes or high heels. It is caused by a thickening of the tissue around the nerves leading to the toes, resulting in inflammation, intense pain, tingling, and numbness in the affected area of the foot. While many treatments are available for Morton’s Neuroma, including rest, injection therapy, medication, orthotics, footwear advice and surgery, to name a few, some patients may require more advanced interventions to relieve their symptoms that are not too invasive.
This is where radiofrequency ablation comes in as a minimally invasive solution. This nerve oblation procedure has been gaining traction as an effective new treatment for Morton’s Neuroma. It provides patients with relief from their symptoms and allowing them to return to their daily activities with ease. In this article, we’ll explore radiofrequency ablation, how it works, and why it’s a beneficial option for those suffering from Morton’s Neuroma. So, let’s dive in and learn more about this innovative procedure.
What is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive medical technique that uses heat to destroy the affected nerve tissue causing pain in Morton’s Neuroma. During the procedure, a probe is inserted into the affected area, and an electrical current is applied, which generates heat to produce nerve ablation. This effectively disables the nerve, stopping the pain signals from travelling to the brain. As a result, the pain associated with Morton’s Neuroma is relieved, allowing patients to experience significant improvements in their quality of life.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and the patient can usually go home the same day. Typically, an ankle block with local anaesthesia is used to numb the area, and sedation may also be given to help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. Radiofrequency ablation has several advantages over traditional surgical approaches, including less scarring, reduced risk of infection, shorter recovery times, and fewer complications.
It also offers a higher success rate for long-term pain relief, with many patients experiencing significant improvements in their symptoms. In fact, studies have shown that radiofrequency ablation successfully relieves pain associated with Morton’s Neuroma in up to 87% of patients (NICE, 2015). Overall, radiofrequency ablation is a promising solution for those suffering from Morton’s Neuroma, offering effective pain relief with minimal risk and downtime.
How Radiofrequency Ablation Helps Morton’s Neuroma
The heat generated by the probe causes thermal burn, which destroys the affected nerve tissue without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. As a result, the pain signals from the affected area are effectively silenced, and the patient experiences significant relief from their symptoms. Furthermore, nerve ablation has a lower risk of complications when compared to traditional surgical interventions, making it a preferred option for many patients.
In addition to being a safe and effective treatment, radiofrequency ablation also offers several advantages over other treatment options. Unlike medication, which can cause unwanted side effects, radiofrequency ablation specifically targets the affected nerve tissue, resulting in fewer systemic effects. Additionally, unlike surgery, it does not require a long recovery time, and the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis.
While radiofrequency ablation is not always a permanent solution, it can provide significant and long-lasting pain relief for patients with Morton’s Neuroma. Many patients who undergo the procedure report considerable satisfaction and improvement in their quality of life. this is measured by reduced pain and an increased ability to perform daily activities. In essence, nerve ablation is a minimally invasive solution that can provide major benefits for those suffering from Morton’s Neuroma.
Who is a Good Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is a promising treatment for Morton’s Neuroma, but only some are good candidates for this procedure. Generally, individuals who have failed to respond to conservative treatments, such as medication, injection therapy, physiotherapy, or orthotics, may be considered for radiofrequency ablation. Additionally, those who are seeking a minimally invasive approach to treatment or those who prefer to avoid the potential risks and complications associated with traditional surgery may also be good candidates for this procedure.
Before undergoing radiofrequency ablation, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive evaluation with a qualified medical professional. This evaluation may include imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis of Morton’s Neuroma. Also, a thorough medical history to assess any potential risk factors or underlying conditions will be done. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as blood clotting disorders, infections, and diabetes or who are immunosuppressed or having cancer treatment may not be good candidates for this procedure.
It’s important to note that radiofrequency ablation is not a suitable treatment option for all cases of Morton’s Neuroma either. The size and location of the affected nerve tissue, as well as the severity of the symptoms, may affect the success of the procedure. A qualified medical professional can help determine if radiofrequency ablation is the right treatment option for a specific individual based on their unique circumstances. Overall, radiofrequency ablation is safe and effective for many individuals with Morton’s Neuroma. However, it’s essential to seek medical advice and undergo a comprehensive evaluation before undergoing the procedure.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Nerve Ablation
If you’re considering radiofrequency ablation for Morton’s Neuroma, it’s important to know what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. Before the procedure, your doctor will give you verbal instructions or a leaflet on preparing. This instruction may include stopping certain medications or avoiding certain activities for a set period. You’ll also be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area where the probe will be inserted. Again, sedation may also be given to help you feel more relaxed and comfortable.
During the procedure, the probe will be inserted into the affected area with the guidance of imaging technology. The probe is then heated to generate controlled pulse energy to cause the thermal ablation to the nerve tissue. The procedure typically takes around 40 minutes to an hour to complete.
After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area, where you will be monitored for a short time. Most patients can go home on the same day. You may experience some mild discomfort or swelling in the treated area. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Some clinicians inject steroids into the area to calm inflammation pain. You will be given instructions on how to care for the area, including how to change any dressings or bandages. Most patients are able to return to their daily activities within a few days. However, it’s essential to follow any aftercare instructions provided by your care provider to ensure proper healing.
By knowing what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, you will feel more confident and prepared. Ensure you ask your clinician any questions you may have to help you feel comfortable and to allay your fears.
Success Rates and Patient Outcomes After Radiofrequency Ablation
The success rates of radiofrequency ablation for Morton’s Neuroma are very promising. Up to 87% of patients experience significant pain relief after the procedure. However, individual outcomes may vary depending on several factors. Including the size and location of the affected nerve tissue, the severity of the symptoms, and the patient’s overall health.
Patient outcomes after radiofrequency ablation can be influenced by many factors, including age, sex, and medical history. In general, younger patients and those without underlying medical conditions tend to fare better. Additionally, patients who undergo the procedure earlier in the course of the disease may experience significant improvements in their symptoms.
While the results of radiofrequency ablation vary, many patients report great improvements in their quality of life after the procedure. They may experience reduced pain, increased mobility, and an improved ability to perform daily activities. Additionally, patients may be able to avoid more invasive surgical procedures and the associated risks and complications.
Patient outcomes after radiofrequency ablation can be influenced by many factors. Discussing the potential benefits and risks with a qualified medical professional is therefore essential. By doing so, patients can make informed decisions about their treatment options and feel confident in their care. Overall, radiofrequency ablation is a promising option for those suffering from Morton’s Neuroma. As it offers effective pain relief and improved quality of life.
Risks of radiofrequency Ablation
Although the risks are minimal and not life-threatening, it is worth knowing them before deciding to go ahead. A small population of patients can have ongoing pain after the procedure without an apparent cause for the pain symptom. An infection can develop at the site of the procedure, but it can be effectively treated with antibiotics. If the electrode is placed too superficially, it can cause the skin to burn. Temporary tibial nerve irritation has been reported, but patients have had complete resolution after a few weeks. Again, the vast majority of patients have reported satisfaction with the procedure. However, as with any medical procedure, there is always an element of risk involved.
Final thoughts
Finally then, radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective treatment option for those suffering from Morton’s Neuroma. This minimally invasive procedure offers several advantages over traditional surgical interventions. Including shorter recovery times, reduced scarring, and a lower risk of complications. Radiofrequency ablation can provide long-lasting pain relief for up to 87% of patients. Allowing them to return to their daily activities with ease and improved quality of life.
As with any medical procedure, it’s essential to discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure with your clinician. This will help ensure that you receive personalized care tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. You can enjoy effective pain relief with minimal risk and downtime by choosing radiofrequency ablation as a treatment option. With proper evaluation, preparation, and aftercare, you can feel confident in your care. Allowing you to experience the benefits of this innovative treatment option.
Reference
1. NICE (2015). Interventional procedure overview of radiofrequency ablation for symptomatic interdigital (Morton’s) neuroma. (n.d.). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg539/documents/radiofrequency-ablation-for-symptomatic-interdigital-mortons-neuroma-overview2 [Accessed 14 Feb. 2023].
