Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Leg, Knee & Ankle Pain

🔑 Quick Answer

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) treats chronic leg, knee, and ankle pain by placing a small lead near the specific nerve causing symptoms. This differs from spinal cord stimulation because it targets individual peripheral nerves like the genicular, saphenous, peroneal, tibial, or sural nerves. PNS is effective for post-knee-replacement pain, chronic knee/ankle pain, CRPS, and nerve injuries. At Eagle Rock Medical in Idaho Falls, patients undergo evaluation, diagnostic nerve blocks, a 3-7 day trial, and if successful (50%+ relief), permanent implantation with ongoing programming for optimal results.

What PNS Is

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) uses a small lead placed near a target nerve to modulate pain signals. It differs from spinal cord stimulation because we treat the specific peripheral nerve that drives symptoms in the leg or foot. Candidates usually have nerve-predominant pain that persists after conservative care.

Conditions We Treat With PNS

• Post-knee-replacement pain when pain localizes to nerve distributions after healing
• Chronic knee pain not responding to therapy, injections, or medications
• Chronic ankle or foot pain, including sural or tibial neuralgia and tarsal tunnel-type pain
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS I/II) limited to the lower limb
• Peripheral mononeuropathies after trauma or surgery
• Phantom limb pain after lower-limb amputation

Typical Nerve Targets

→ Genicular branches for anterior/medial knee pain
→ Saphenous nerve for medial knee and lower-leg pain
→ Common peroneal and superficial/deep peroneal nerves for lateral leg and dorsal foot pain
→ Tibial nerve and branches for plantar foot or tarsal tunnel-pattern pain
→ Sural nerve for posterolateral ankle/foot pain

Target selection follows history, exam, and diagnostic blocks.

What Results to Expect

Many patients report meaningful pain reduction, improved activity, and decreased medication use during the trial. Long-term benefit depends on diagnosis, anatomy, and adherence to rehab. We set objective goals before the trial and measure against them.

📊 Key Takeaways: PNS Results

• Pain Reduction: Most patients experience meaningful decrease in chronic leg, knee, or ankle pain
• Improved Activity: Enhanced mobility and ability to perform daily activities
• Reduced Medications: Many patients decrease or eliminate pain medications
• Objective Measurement: Results tracked against pre-trial goals for accountability
• Long-term Success: Benefits depend on diagnosis accuracy, nerve anatomy, and rehabilitation adherence

Who Is a Candidate

✓ Chronic focal lower-extremity pain ≥3–6 months after surgery or injury
✓ Failure or intolerance of PT, medications, and targeted injections
✓ No unstable joint mechanics requiring surgical correction
✓ Realistic goals and ability to manage the device

💡 Key Takeaways: PNS Candidacy

• Timeline: Chronic pain lasting 3-6+ months after surgery or injury qualifies
• Failed Treatments: Must have tried conservative options (PT, medications, injections)
• Mechanical Stability: Joint must be structurally sound (no surgical repair needed)
• Patient Commitment: Ability to manage device and realistic expectations required
• Nerve-Driven Pain: Best for pain following specific nerve patterns vs. diffuse pain

Patients with similar nerve-pattern pain from diabetic neuropathy may benefit from our comprehensive neuropathy treatment in Idaho Falls program.

The Process

Evaluation and mapping

Image-guided trial lead placement near the target nerve

3–7 day trial assessing pain relief and function

If successful, proceed to a longer-term system and follow-up programming

Why Eagle Rock

We focus on nerve-driven lower-extremity pain and tailor targets to your symptoms. Our workflow minimizes downtime and emphasizes function, not just pain scores.

FAQs

Will this replace knee revision surgery?

No. PNS treats nerve-mediated pain. Mechanical problems still require orthopedic care.

How fast is recovery after the trial?

Most patients resume light activity within 24–48 hours per instructions.

Can I still go through airport security?

Yes. Carry your device card. Screening may require manual inspection.

What if the trial does not help?

The lead is removed in clinic and we reassess other options.

Is this covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by plan and indication. We verify benefits before scheduling.

Next Step

If your knee, ankle, or foot pain fits a nerve pattern, request an evaluation to see whether a short PNS trial is appropriate.

Request an Evaluation Read about our Neuropathy Care