No matter how many preventative measures you might take, if you’re an active individual who enjoys sports, there will always be at least a certain degree of risk for developing an inflamed tendon. This injury risk tends to be even greater if you are one of the proverbial “weekend warriors.” Fortunately, Massapequa Podiatry Associates on Long Island,  has a state-of-the-art treatment technique that has been proven to be quite effective for many patients – Tenex.

Tenex treatment for an inflamed tendon | Long Island Expert Tendon PodiatristTreating Tendon Inflammation

Tendon inflammation happens for numerous reasons, with the most common ones being either strenuous force after periods of inactivity or overuse. The first case relates to the aforementioned weekend warriors. In these cases, a patient will lead a fairly sedentary life during the week but then engage in intense, high-impact activities on the weekend. This certainly applies to men and women who participate in recreational sports leagues or play tennis, pickleball, or basketball (as examples) with friends every once in a while.

Of course, tendons can become inflamed in response to overuse as well. We often treat runners who log tremendous amounts of miles during their workouts, and especially if they suddenly increased the intensity and/or duration of their running sessions.

You will be able to recognize an inflamed tendon—and the Achilles tendon is, by far, the most commonly affected tendon—by symptoms that include discomfort, swelling, and perhaps even pain. If you think about your physical activities and realize that either of the two situations above (“weekend warrior” status or “overuse”) apply, it can be a sign that this is the issue you are experiencing.

When a tendon in your lower body isn’t prepared to handle the amount of stress being applied, it responds with inflammation. We have an array of treatment options to help relieve the inflammation and address symptoms, including rest, medicine, bracing, and physical therapy.

Surgery has been a last-resort option for a long time, but Tenex treatments have reduced how often we need to recommend it.

What To Expect With Tenex Treatment

Tenex is an advanced technology we use in some cases as an alternative to surgical procedures that would have been necessary in the past. The procedure itself starts with ultrasound diagnostics to locate problems within the affected tendon. After we have found these issues, we numb the area and insert a TX MicroTip directly into the spot. The TX MicroTip only requires a tiny incision and looks like a hollow needle.

Once inserted into place, the tip is agitated with the use of ultrasound frequency. This causes it to vibrate at an incredibly fast rate in the designated area. This fast vibration gently breaks down and removes the damaged part of the tendon, but without affecting the healthy tissue surrounding it. In addition to directly addressing the damaged area, this procedure also speeds up your body’s natural healing processes.

Benefits of Tenex Treatment 

One of the benefits of this approach over surgery is that no stitches are needed. Additionally, there is no sedation used, so you will be able to drive yourself home afterward (no need to arrange for a friend or loved one to give you a ride).

Additional benefits to using Tenex treatment for Achilles tendon issues include almost immediate pain relief and faster recovery time. There are several factors that can play a role in this, but most patients are able to return to their normal activity levels in about six weeks after the procedure.

If you would like additional information on this revolutionary treatment method, simply give Massapequa Podiatry Associates a toll-free call at (877) 674-7422 and our friendly staff will be happy to help. While on the line, be sure to request your appointment for our Nassau County podiatrist office and we can address any foot or ankle condition causing you pain and keeping you from your normal activities.

Dr. Corey Fox
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Long Island Podiatrist serving Massapequa and all of Nassau County