...Cutting-edge Achilles Tendon and Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
If you’re one of 8 million Americans experiencing pain and discomfort in the Achilles tendon or plantar fascia, the Tenex Health Procedure, a minimally invasive treatment for soft tissue damage, may help. Developed with Mayo Clinic, Tenex uses very precise microscopic cutting and removes the diseased tissue. When tissue is unhealthy, blood flow is reduced and healing is impaired, if not halted.
Tenex is performed in a surgery center or hospital setting with light sedation and local. It's covered by most insurance plans. After the procedure, a small bandaid is enough for close the minuscule incision.
What to Expect During the Tenex Procedure
Dr. Shirazi uses a diagnostic ultrasound to pinpoint the exact area(s) of scar tissue within the damaged tendon or ligament. The ultrasound uses a specific frequency can locate the difference between healthy tissue and scar tissue. The actual Tenex Procedure usually takes only about 15 minutes. In most cases, an injection of amniotic tissue or PRP can help to both stimulate and accelerate the healing process. Afterward, there can be minor swelling. Recovery time is greatly reduced from several months (with traditional surgery) to one to two weeks with Tenex. In most cases, you can begin light weight-bearing exercise within two weeks. Dr. Shirazi has stood on the forefront of this exciting new procedure. She aims to maximize every traditional and advanced technological modality to safely heal your foot and ankle challenges. If you’re suffering from foot and ankle pain and need to have it evaluated or have tried conventional healing elsewhere and still have not received adequate relief, please contact us today at 626-517-0022 to setup an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Sara Shirazi.
Tenex Procedure Q & A
The Tenex procedure is a trademarked, non-surgical procedure that helps patients who are suffering from chronic tendon pain by nonsurgically removing damaged scar tissue on the tendons. This procedure, developed by Tenex Health, is particularly effective on the tendons and bone spurs of the ankle and foot. Dr. Sara Shirazi, our foot and ankle surgeon at Pasadena Orthopedics uses Tenex to treat chronic, longstanding painful Achilles tendonitis, plantar fascia, and bone spurs including heel spurs. Tendon pain is typically caused by continued trauma or over usage of joints and muscles. The Tenex procedure is known in medical terminology as a focused aspiration of scar tissue, percutaneous (via needle puncture) tenotomy, and percutaneous fasciotomy (easing tension by removing scar tissue that causes pain). Ideal candidates for the Tenex procedure are those who have sought prior treatment, including steroid injections, rest, immobilization, and rehabilitation, with little to no pain relief. The Tenex procedure offers patients a minimally invasive option that is faster than traditional open surgeries, creates a smaller incision resulting in less dermal scarring, and allows for a quicker and less painful recovery. There are many published studies on its safety and effectiveness with more research ongoing.
● The Tenex procedure is a proprietary method of treating chronic tendon pain that involves removing scar tissue that causes pain as a result of overuse or an active lifestyle.
● The procedure uses a small instrument that is inserted through the skin into the damaged tendon and vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to break up and remove damaged scar tissue.
● Tenex procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia and generally take less than 15 minutes.
● Benefits of the Tenex procedure include fast pain relief, fast return to normal activity and no risks from surgery.
How is the Tenex Procedure Performed?
Before the Tenex procedure, Dr. Shirazi's patients are typically given a local anesthetic that is used to anesthetize the affected area. Ultrasound imaging identifies and precisely locates the patient’s damaged scar tissue within the tendon. A small incision is made along the affected area. The Tenex Tissue Removal System utilizes a small instrument with a needle-like point that is inserted into the area and high-frequency vibrations break up the damaged scar tissue. The instrument uses ultrasound frequency that is designed not to damage the surrounding healthy tissue. The Tenex system then gently removes the broken up scar tissue of the ankle or foot. Instead of applying stitches, the incision is closed using an adhesive bandage and the procedure is complete. After the procedure, patients generally experience a recovery period of four to six weeks. Most patients say they feel little to no pain during the Tenex treatments. Tenex Treatment Benefits More than 10 million American’s suffer from chronic tendon pain to their foot and ankle that affects daily activities, such as participating in exercise and sports activities, going up or downstairs, and even walking.
Primary benefits of the Tenex procedure include:
● Enabling patients to renew vigorous activities
● Minimally invasive with a small incision as opposed to open surgery
● No risks from the complications of surgery and general anesthesia
● Restores normal tendon by removing scar tissue
Tenex is a good option for patients who have been struggling with chronic tendon pain, heel spurs, or bone spurs of the foot and ankle and are looking for an alternative to cortisone shots, physical therapy, or traditional tendon repair surgery. Call 626-517-0022 to speak with our team to discuss if Tenex is right for you!
