Plantar Fasciitis And TENEX™
The Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
The most apparent symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain, specifically:
- Increased pain after periods of being sedentary
- Increased heel pain after exercise
- A swollen heel that is tender to the touch
- A tight Achilles tendon
When heel pain persists for months or years and does not respond to conservative treatment your foot doctor may recommend a minimally invasive surgical procedure such as TENEX™.
What Is TENEX™?
TENEX™ is a minimally invasive procedure that uses ultrasound technology to treat chronic tendon pain. During the TENEX™ procedure, a small incision is made in the affected area, and an ultrasonic wand is inserted through the incision. The wand emits ultrasonic energy, which breaks up and removes damaged tissue in the affected tendon. The entire procedure takes less than 20 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia. TENEX™ has been shown to be highly effective in treating a number of chronic tendon conditions, including plantar fasciitis. In fact, studies have shown that patients who undergo the TENEX™ procedure for plantar fasciitis experience significant pain relief and improved function.
How Does TENEX™ Treat Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is typically caused by repetitive strain on the plantar fascia, which can lead to microtears and inflammation. Traditional treatments for plantar fasciitis include rest, ice, stretching, and physical therapy. While these treatments can be effective, they can also take a long time to produce results, and some patients may not experience significant pain relief.
TENEX™ offers a more targeted approach to treating plantar fasciitis. During the procedure, the ultrasonic wand is inserted directly into the affected area, allowing the podiatrist to precisely target the damaged tissue. The ultrasonic energy breaks up the damaged tissue, which is then suctioned out of the body.
The removal of the damaged tissue allows the body to begin the healing process, and the reduced inflammation and pressure on the plantar fascia can lead to significant pain relief. In addition, the procedure can be performed quickly and with minimal downtime, allowing patients to return to their normal activities soon after the procedure.
What Are The Benefits Of TENEX™ For Plantar Fasciitis?
There are a number of benefits to using TENEX™ to treat plantar fasciitis, including:
- Highly effective: Studies have shown that patients who undergo the TENEX™ procedure for plantar fasciitis experience significant pain relief and improved function.
- Minimally invasive: The procedure is performed through a small incision and does not require general anesthesia, reducing the risk of complications and allowing for a faster recovery time.
- Quick recovery: Most patients are able to return to their normal activities within a few days of the procedure.
- Targeted treatment: The ultrasonic wand allows the podiatrist to precisely target the damaged tissue, reducing the risk of damage to healthy tissue.
- Long-lasting results: The removal of damaged tissue allows the body to begin the healing process, which can lead to long-lasting pain relief.
Is TENEX™ Right for You?
If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis and have tried other treatments without success, TENEX™ may be a good option for you. Consult with your podiatrist to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. In general, patients who are good candidates for the TENEX™ procedure are those who are in good overall health and have chronic tendon pain that has not responded to other treatments.
The team of foot doctors at To Healthy Feet in Manhattan can expertly assess your heel pain, diagnose plantar fasciitis, and develop a personalized treatment strategy based on the severity of your symptoms, your lifestyle, and your goals for treatment. We provide accurate diagnosis and comprehensive foot and ankle care and have the tools and technologies necessary to provide a variety of tailored treatment approaches including regenerative medicine, conservative interventions, and even minimally invasive surgery (when needed) at each of our NYC Podiatry Clinics. If you are experiencing heel pain due to plantar fasciitis or any other foot or ankle condition pain, call To Healthy Feet Podiatry at 1-917-398-3668 or fill out the contact form to book your appointment at our Upper East Side, Times Square, Midtown Grand Central, or Downtown Manhattan locations today.
FAQ
Q: Can I treat plantar fasciitis by myself?
A: It is best to go see a podiatrist, even if you think your case is minor. You can, however, do some things to reduce heel pain including wearing more supportive shoes, stretching your arches, and frequent ice treatment to the affected area.
Q: How long does it take to heal from plantar fasciitis microsurgery?
A: For TENEX, TOPAZ Coblation Therapy, or EPF, there will be a 1 week recovery period that will require a walking boot. After this, normal activity can resume.
Q: Why does my plantar fasciitis seem to flare up in the morning?
A: When your foot is in a relaxed position while you sleep, it causes the tissues of the plantar fascia to contract and when you wake up and take those first steps the tissue stretches and this causes the pain you feel.
