Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Pain

Tenex Technology

Often when you have chronic tendonitis, you can easily pinpoint the exact location of your pain. Every time your dog yanks his leash, you step onto the next stair or you take an extra-long step, you feel a sharp sting in one precise spot. This pain shouldn’t be ignored; tendons are important body parts that need attention when they are injured.

So what is a tendon? It’s a strong, flexible band of tissue that connects your muscles to the bones in your joints. Tendons and muscles work together to create a pulling force that allows you to twist, grip, grab, move, bend and push to perform all sorts of activities necessary to your busy life.

Unlike medical or physical therapies, Tenex removes the source of the pain, the damaged tissue, and helps stimulate a healing response. The medical term for this procedure is Percutaneous Tenotomy or Percutaneous Fasciotomy. Commonly treated areas include the plantar fascia or the Achilles tendon.

Our experienced Orthopedic Surgeon utilizes ultrasound imaging, just like the kind used to see babies in the womb, to visualize and identify the specific location of the damaged tendon tissue and remove only the damaged tissue.

In the outpatient surgery center, the area is numbed with a local anesthetic, allowing you to stay awake the entire time. Many people say after the numbing process—which feels like a bee sting—they felt only a slight pressure during the procedure (if they felt anything at all). Then the Orthopedic Surgeon uses a specialized device designed to safely breakdown and remove the damaged tissue. The device works with a small needle using ultrasound guidance—the needle moves back and forth removing the damaged portion of the tendon. The process requires only a half-centimeter incision to reach the damaged tissue. Because the incision is so small and the ultrasonic energy precisely treats only the damaged tendon tissue, the surrounding healthy tissue is left unharmed.

REQUIRES JUST ONE STITCH

When the procedure is completed one small stitch is placed in the skin and a compression wrap is applied. Most people can bear weight right after the procedure in a protective boot.

OFFERING NEARLY INSTANT PAIN RELIEF AND RAPID RECOVERY

Recovery is rapid with many people being back to normal life within 6 weeks or less. Because the surrounding healthy tissue is not disturbed, few stitches and minimal to no anesthesia is required, there is minimal downtime and less discomfort compared to traditional open surgery. The speed of your recovery depends on the location of your tendinitis and your individual results may vary.

To learn more, or schedule your appointment for this treatment, contact the Coughlin Foot & Ankle Clinic today at 208-302-3100.