Leading Radiofrequency Manufacturer Introduces A New Product For Treating Heel Pain

Main Category: Pain / Anesthetics
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics;  Radiology / Nuclear Medicine;  Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 21 Jan 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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NeuroTherm, Inc., a global leader in radiofrequency generators for chronic pain management, announces the introduction of an RF product specifically for the podiatric market: The PodiaTherm RF Generator, designed to treat chronic heel pain, which often is associated with plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis, or inflammation of the plantar fascia, is considered the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament connecting the heel bone to the toes and supporting the arch of the foot. If strained, it can develop small tears and be weakened, swollen or irritated, thus resulting in pain while walking or standing.

"As many as two million Americans are affected by plantar fasciitis each year," says William Rittman, NeuroTherm's Chief Technology Officer. "Of those, approximately 10 percent require advanced treatment because conventional therapies, such as over-the-counter medications, splints and rest, haven't alleviated the pain. That's where PodiaTherm can help."

The PodiaTherm employs radiofrequency therapy to block the pain by affecting the nerve causing the pain, Rittman says. Basically, the physician isolates the sensory nerve, which is a branch of the lateral plantar nerve, and inserts an RF electrode. The PodiaTherm then transmits a signal through the electrode, creating a lesion on the nerve in a process called thermoneurolysis.

"Once conventional therapies have been exhausted, patients have had fewer treatment options other than surgery. This will be a minimally invasive, office-based procedure," says Laurence Hicks, NeuroTherm CEO and President. Previously, advanced, non-surgical therapies either required bruising the tendons with shockwaves or making an inch-long incision to treat the tendon internally. The PodiaTherm requires only a local anesthetic and a needle's width incision. The RF therapy can be performed in a physician's office, at a hospital or in a surgery center.

"RF therapy with the PodiaTherm will become the treatment of choice for many podiatrists and patients, particularly because it's a simple, effective and safe procedure," Hicks states.

According to Rittman, radiofrequency therapy has been used successfully for many years to treat chronic pain. The RF procedure is commonly reimbursed through insurance. It also will cost less than other non-conventional therapies.

Moreover, the PodiaTherm is a small machine, so it can be transported easily from one facility to the next as the physician requires.

NeuroTherm, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of radiofrequency generators and related consumables used in the treatment of chronic pain. The company recently introduced the NT1000, the world's first RF generator capable of producing three lesions simultaneously. NeuroTherm also pioneered the development and use of disposable electrodes in the U.K. market.

NeuroTherm is based in Middleton, MA., with another facility outside London, England. The company was formed in September 2005, as a concurrent acquisition of RDG Medical in the U.K., and RF Medical and Precision Medical Engineering in the U.S. by Cortec Group Fund III, L.P., an affiliate of Cortec Group, Inc. Additional information about NeuroTherm can be found on the Internet at http://www.neurotherm.com.

Additional information about the PodiaTherm RF Generator can be found on the Internet at http://www.podiatherm.com.

NeuroTherm, Inc.
http://www.neurotherm.com