Heel pain is a common podiatric problem that can make daily tasks difficult and cause you to miss out on the activities you enjoy. When conservative treatments fail to provide relief, and you’d like to avoid the discomfort, risk, and extended downtime associated with traditional heel surgeries, Tenex may be just what you need to get back on your feet and back to living your best life.
This revolutionary procedure is a minimally-invasive technique that can effectively treat chronic heel pain without traditional surgery. Instead of surgical tools such as scalpels and saws, Tenex uses a needle-like transducer and the healing power of high-frequency ultrasound energy to gently break down and remove the damaged tissues causing your heel pain. Our Long Island podiatrists answer questions about this cutting-edge procedure. 
What Conditions Can the Tenex Procedure Treat?
Tenex therapy can successfully treat chronic tendon pain and soft tissue injuries. At Massapequa Podiatry Associates, our experienced podiatrists, Dr. Corey Fox and Dr. Justin LoBello, use this breakthrough technique to address heel pain resulting from plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, sports injuries, and other common foot and ankle conditions.
Is Tenex Safe?
Yes. Tenex technology was developed by Tenex Health in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic and cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013. Since then, more than 81,000 successful tenotomies and fasciotomies (the medically-accurate name for the procedure) have been completed using the Tenex technique, according to Tenex Health.
How Do I Prepare for the Tenex Treatment?
Unlike open surgeries, Tenex has no food or drink restrictions prior to the procedure. However, your podiatrist may ask that you avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), Celebrex (celecoxib), and Voltaren (diclofenac) the week before the treatment to reduce the risk of bleeding.
What Happens During the Tenex Procedure?
Tenex is an outpatient procedure that’s typically performed as a single treatment that usually takes 30 minutes or less and rarely requires stitches. After locating the damaged area using an ultrasound, the podiatrist administers a local anesthetic and makes a series of tiny incisions, allowing for the insertion of a TX MicroTip—a state-of-the-art surgical instrument that looks like a hollow needle. The TX MicroTip agitates at a fast speed, applying the ultrasonic energy needed to break down and remove the damaged tissue that causes your heels to hurt. The Tenex technique also kickstarts the body’s natural healing response, helping you get back on your feet faster.
Does It Hurt?
No, the Tenex treatment itself is relatively painless, as the podiatrist uses a local anesthetic to thoroughly numb the site before the procedure. As you recover, you may experience some minor discomfort that can be managed with cold compresses or an over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol (acetaminophen).
How Long Does It Usually Take to Recover?
Recovering from the Tenex treatment typically takes between four to six weeks, compared to six months or longer after traditional open surgeries. Many patients can return to work and normal activities within two weeks of the procedure. At Massapequa Podiatry Associates, we provide complete instructions and follow-up care to encourage a successful and speedy recovery.
Is the Tenex Treatment Right for Me?
Tenex can be an excellent treatment option for patients suffering from chronic heel pain that hasn’t been resolved with conservative care. However, while Tenex can remove damaged tissue that causes chronic tendon pain, it can’t, for example, repair a ruptured tendon, so it isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix for all tendon issues.
Schedule an Appointment
If heel pain is preventing you from doing the things you love, complete our contact form, or call our office at 516-541-9000 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced foot and ankle specialists to find out whether you’re a good candidate for the Tenex procedure.
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