Can freezing or heating nerves end Athletes' chronic ankle pain?
NCT ID NCT07778589
First seen Aug 21, 2026 · Last updated Aug 21, 2026
Summary
This trial tests three minimally invasive procedures to relieve chronic ankle pain in athletes who have not improved with conservative care after an anterior talofibular ligament injury. The procedures—radiofrequency ablation, hydrodissection with botulinum toxin, and cryoneurolysis—target the superficial peroneal nerve to block pain signals. Researchers will compare how well each reduces pain intensity, aiming to find the best option for this common sports injury.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Three minimally invasive nerve procedures: radiofrequency ablation, hydrodissection with botulinum toxin, and cryoneurolysis
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could identify a more effective, non-surgical option for athletes with persistent ankle pain, potentially reducing reliance on painkillers and improving return to sport.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small trial, and results may not apply to all patients. Procedures carry risks like infection, nerve damage, or incomplete pain relief, and effects may be temporary.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 87 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Oct 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 45 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Athletes aged 18-45 years * Chronic ankle pain (\>6 months) following ATFL injury * Clinical and imaging confirmation of ATFL injury * No surgical indication (complete tear, associated fracture) * Failure of conservative treatment Exclusion Criteria: * Previous ankle surgery * Peripheral neuropathy or systemic neurological disease * Contraindications to botulinum toxin, RF ablation, or cryoneurolysis * General exclusion criteria for intervention (local infection, coagulopathy, patient refusal) * long standing condition \>5 y
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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A doctor treating you
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