Exploring Rhyzolysis for Treating Long-Term Plantar Fasciitis: Seeking Insights
For over three years, I've been struggling with severe plantar fasciitis. Despite my dedication to physiotherapy, the use of orthopedic insoles, and a regular exercise regimen, relief remains elusive. Standing for more than thirty minutes leads to intense heel pain, and walking for extended periods is simply unbearable. Recently, I consulted with a new physician, making it my fourth in this ongoing battle with foot pain. She suggested a combination of infiltration and rhizolysis using radiofrequency on both of my feet. According to her, the pain I'm experiencing might be attributed to nerve issues, as it appears similarly in both feet. This procedure is intended to alleviate the discomfort by specifically targeting and damaging the nerve endings. She reassured me that the risks associated with the procedure are minimal, with the worst-case scenario being that it might not provide a long-term solution but won't lead to further complications. Nonetheless, I'm feeling a bit uneasy about it. Although she requested an x-ray and ultrasound, she claimed that she didn't even need to review these images because the diagnosis seemed clear. I find myself hesitant, particularly because the procedure involves anesthesia, and I can't shake the concern that there may be unknown risks involved. I'm reaching out to see if anyone here has insights or experiences with rhizolysis for chronic plantar fasciitis. I would appreciate any shared thoughts or information.
Answers (1)
7/14/2025, 4:30:59 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about a new procedure, especially after experiencing prolonged pain from plantar fasciitis. Rhizolysis, particularly using radiofrequency, aims to relieve pain by targeting specific nerve endings. Let's explore this option while considering your experiences and concerns.
Key Points:
- Understanding Rhizolysis: This procedure involves using radiofrequency energy to damage specific nerve fibers transmitting pain signals from the affected area, potentially providing relief for chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis.
- Efficacy and Risks: While many patients report significant pain relief, results vary, and some may not experience long-term benefits. Risks are generally low but can include complications from anesthesia or infection.
- Assessment Before Procedure: It’s wise to undergo additional imaging (like your scheduled X-ray and ultrasound) to confirm the diagnosis and better understand the underlying issues.
Action Steps:
-
Gather Information: Before proceeding, ask your physician for more details about the procedure, including:
- The exact nerves being targeted.
- Expected outcomes and potential complications.
- The frequency of long-term success rates from previous patients.
-
Consider Second Opinions: Given your ongoing pain and hesitations, seeking a second opinion from another specialist (like a podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in foot conditions) may provide further insight. They can assess if rhizolysis is appropriate for your case.
-
Explore Conservative Options: In conjunction with potential procedures:
- Continue physical therapy with an emphasis on stretching and strengthening the plantar fascia.
- Explore alternative pain management strategies, such as corticosteroid injections or shockwave therapy, which may provide some relief before considering rhizolysis.
-
Mind the Mental Aspect: Taking care of your mental health is equally important. Discuss your concerns openly with your physician to alleviate anxiety regarding the procedure and its risks.
-
Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your pain levels, activities, and any changes following treatments to identify patterns that may inform your future care strategy.
Reflecting on your needs for relief while weighing the risks is crucial. You're not alone in this journey, and it's great that you’re seeking advice and support. Please feel free to ask more questions as you consider your options!
Related Questions
Recent Health Episode
I am a 29-year-old woman, standing at approximately 5'3" and weighing around 220 lbs. I live with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Recently, I experienced an extraordinarily intense episode—unlike anything I've encountered before. Throughout the day, I felt unwell, drained, and not quite myself, occasionally plagued by strange sensations in my body. My heart rate was unusually low—mostly in the 60s—which is atypical for me, and I didn’t notice it racing at all. While seated on my couch, completely still, I suddenly felt a scorching sensation, almost as if I were burning from the inside out, radiating from my head to my toes. Almost immediately after that, I became incredibly weak, feeling both heavy and faint. My only thought was to pray for relief. Suddenly, my heart rate surged to 132 bpm for about a minute. It all transpired so quickly that I struggled to move. Surprisingly, my blood pressure remained normal throughout the episode. During and afterward, I experienced intense shakiness, but once it subsided, I was hit with a strong wave of hunger. I checked my blood sugar, which was just within the normal range, sitting at about 72. This sort of episode isn’t entirely new to me. There was a previous occasion where I experienced a similar spike in heart rate while seated, accompanied by a burning sensation in my chest and arms. On that occasion, I wound up in the emergency room, but the doctors couldn’t determine the cause of my elevated heart rate, which took several hours to stabilize. I apologize if my thoughts seem scattered—my anxiety has spiked, and I’m just trying to capture everything in my mind, which often feels foggy. Has anyone experienced something like this? I feel it transcends merely POTS-related symptoms.
Concerns After Mono Diagnosis and Upcoming HIV Test
Hi everyone, I’m a 22-year-old female and I’m feeling extremely anxious right now. Recently, I received a positive diagnosis for mononucleosis and have been hospitalized for several days. Although I’m gradually recovering and my appetite is improving, today I learned that I will also be undergoing tests for hepatitis and HIV, which has left me quite unsettled. The news of the mono diagnosis caught me off guard, especially since I can’t recall the last time I engaged in any lip contact with someone. I’m also a virgin and have never engaged in any sexual activities or touched anyone’s private parts. Additionally, I do not use recreational drugs. The only potential exposure I can think of is during my Judo classes, where I had a few instances of bleeding. Furthermore, during my hospital stay, I had multiple blood tests, and earlier this year, I was tested for anemia, which showed low iron levels, though all other results were normal. Given that I’m in Canada, it's hard for me to believe that I could have contracted something from a hospital setting. This entire experience has been incredibly traumatic, and I feel overwhelmed by everything happening. I just needed to share and express my concerns.
Assessing the Healing of a Cut Knee: Is It Improving or Infected?
In my late thirties and weighing around 280 pounds, I recently experienced a mishap while walking at night. After it had rained, I slipped in some muddy areas that had overflowed onto the sidewalk while wearing flip-flops, resulting in a scraped knee against the concrete. To tend to my injury, I did my best to clean the area using a can of diet soda—my only available option at the moment—before making the mile-long journey back home. Once there, I thoroughly washed the wound with soap and water, applied some rubbing alcohol for additional sanitization, and placed a bandage over it. Thankfully, I did not experience any bleeding. That night, I felt a burning sensation. The following day, I purchased larger bandages and some antibiotic ointment, a generic version of Neosporin. The first photo I took shows the condition of my knee approximately fifteen hours after cleaning and bandaging it. By the second night, the discomfort had decreased, and by the third, it was barely noticeable. My dressings have shown minimal fluid buildup. The second image, taken two days after the first, reveals that some skin patches have turned a dark red, which has raised concerns for me. Despite this, I have not observed any other signs of infection. The redness seems localized to that specific area, showing no signs of spreading, and I have felt no heat accompanying it. Is the recovery process proceeding well, or is a visit to a clinic warranted? I currently do not have health insurance, which makes seeking medical assistance a bit challenging.
Concerns After Toradol IV: Should I Head to the ER?
Hello everyone, I’ve been experiencing discomfort in my lower right abdomen and have felt quite nauseous for several days. While acetaminophen wasn’t providing relief, my physician conducted a blood test which showed elevated white blood cell counts, but my urine analysis was normal. He diagnosed me with gastritis and administered an intravenous dose of Toradol. Although I didn’t think my pain was severe enough to require this treatment and should have declined it, I was unaware that Toradol is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). In childhood, I frequently took NSAIDs for migraines, which led to acid reflux, so now I consciously avoid them. Last night, I took Pepcid AC, which offered some temporary relief, but I fell asleep only to wake up to a much more intense burning sensation today. Eating seems to ease the discomfort slightly, but my appetite is minimal. I find myself burping frequently and my stomach is noisy. I feel hungry but fill up quickly. Nausea persists, though I haven’t actually been sick yet. Should I consider this situation serious enough to visit the emergency room, or is it advisable to wait until I experience vomiting?
Unexpected Injury Post-Intercourse
Hello everyone, I encountered a rather unusual injury today and am attempting to assess its severity. I'm a 33-year-old gay male, standing at 6'1" and weighing 175lbs. While engaging in intercourse with a partner, he unexpectedly tensed his anal muscles at an unfortunate moment as I was climaxing. This caused my initial ejaculation to become blocked, resulting in a sudden, sharp pain in my penis. However, after that initial discomfort, everything seemed to return to normal, so I didn't think too much of it at first. However, just a few hours later, when I attempted to urinate for the first time since the incident, I experienced significant pain. It was so intense that I couldn't maintain a constant stream and had to relieve myself in small increments. To make matters worse, I noticed blood oozing from my urethra at the conclusion of urination. I'm now left wondering how seriously I should take this situation. Given that I’m currently on vacation in a foreign country, visiting a doctor would be less than ideal unless absolutely necessary. Is this something that warrants immediate medical attention, or is it likely to resolve itself with time? I appreciate any advice you can offer!