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Ankle and foot nerve procedures
Persistent ankle and foot pain can be assessed with targeted nerve blocks to identify which nerve is carrying the pain. Radiofrequency treatment may provide a longer-lasting effect.
In brief
- For persistent pain after ankle fracture, fusion or ligament injury.
- Also for entrapment and post-surgical nerve pain in the foot.
- Ultrasound-guided diagnostic blocks establish the source.
- Radiofrequency treatment is also available.
- Frequently combined with footwear, orthotic and gait assessment.
The ankle and foot are supplied by several nerves with overlapping territories, and pain after injury or surgery here is often attributed to the joint when a nerve is responsible. Careful blocks separate the two.
Diagnostic blocks
Under ultrasound guidance, local anaesthetic is placed around a specific nerve. Substantial relief while the anaesthetic is active identifies that nerve as the carrier. Because territories overlap, more than one block on separate occasions is sometimes needed to build a clear picture.
Common situations
Persistent pain after ankle fracture or fusion. Pain after ligament reconstruction. Entrapment of a nerve by scar tissue or hardware. Neuroma pain in the forefoot. Pain that spread and became disproportionate after a relatively minor injury, which may indicate complex regional pain syndrome and is assessed differently.
Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency treatment of the same target may extend relief. The nerves here are smaller and more variable than in the spine, so results are less predictable and this is discussed frankly before proceeding.
On the day
Ultrasound-guided blocks take 10–20 minutes and rarely require sedation. Radiofrequency takes longer.
Afterwards
Numbness in the nerve's territory is expected. Take care walking until sensation and balance return, and protect the numb area from heat and pressure. Record your pain levels — that is the diagnostic result.
Risks
Whilst pain procedures are generally safe and well tolerated, all procedures carry risks. The specific risks relevant to you and your procedure will be discussed with you, and written information provided, before you decide to proceed.
What else matters
Footwear, orthotics, load management and gait retraining make a substantial difference to foot and ankle pain. Injection is used to clarify the problem and enable that work, not to replace it.
Practical information
- Where
- Most procedures are performed as a day case at St John of God Subiaco Hospital, Hollywood Private Hospital, Mount Private Hospital or St John of God Midland Hospital; some smaller procedures are performed in the rooms at Mount Lawley. The setting is confirmed with you at booking.
- Referral
- Required from a GP or specialist — by Healthlink (EDI painmdwa), fax 08 6114 0717 or email. Routine appointments are generally available within two to four weeks.
- Before the day
- Fasting, medication and transport requirements are set out on Before your procedure. If you take blood-thinning medication, or diabetes or weight-loss injections, tell the practice well before the day.
- Costs
- Dr Martin is a no-gap provider for in-hospital procedures with all major health funds, subject to your level of cover. A fee estimate is supplied on booking, prior to your consultation. See Fees and billing.
- Afterwards
- If your procedure is under sedation you cannot drive for 24 hours afterwards — please arrange transport home. Written post-procedure instructions are provided.
- Rural and remote
- Assessment and review can be done by telehealth; the procedure itself is scheduled in Perth.
How to arrange an appointment
A referral from a GP or specialist is required. Referrals are accepted by Healthlink (EDI: painmdwa), fax 08 6114 0717 or email admin@painmedicinewa.com.
Enquiries: 0448 299 260 — Monday 9:00am – 4:00pm, Tuesday to Thursday 8:00am – 4:00pm.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Whether a treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation with your doctor.
Reviewed by Dr Chris Martin, Consultant Pain and Rehabilitation Physician (FFPMANZCA, FAFRM RACP), Pain Medicine WA, Perth. Last reviewed August 2026.In a medical emergency, call 000.