Inferior Calcaneal Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Heel Pain

This prospective single-arm pilot interventional study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of the inferior calcaneal nerve in patients with chronic heel pain refractory to conservative treatments. Patients with plantar fasciitis or calcaneal spur who have not responded to multiple treatment modalities, including exercise, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, orthotics, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and corticosteroid injections, will be included. The procedure will be performed under ultrasound guidance. Pain intensity, functional status, and patient satisfaction will be assessed at baseline and at 1 and 3 months after the intervention.The primary outcome is treatment success, defined as a ≥50% reduction in morning pain intensity on the Numeric Rating Scale at 1 month compared to baseline.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 75 years * Chronic heel pain lasting longer than 6 months * Clinical (tenderness and/or pain at the medial calcaneal tubercle) and radiological (X-ray or ultrasound) diagnosis of plantar fasciitis or calcaneal spur * Refractory to at least four conservative treatment modalities, including exercise therapy, orthotic support (silicone heel pad), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and/or corticosteroid injection Exclusion Criteria: * History of trauma to the foot or ankle * History of foot or ankle surgery * Presence of systemic inflammatory disease * Presence of peripheral neuropathy or S1 radiculopathy * Pregnancy * Hemodynamic instability * Presence of skin or soft tissue infection at the injection site * Refusal to participate in the study