New Medical Solutions for Treating Heel and Plantar Fascia Pain
New Medical Solutions for Treating Heel and Plantar Fascia Pain
Runners are finding solutions for chronic pain with Tenex Health TXTM procedures.
One of the most common running injuries we treat at Performance Ortho is plantar fasciitis. This condition can be both challenging to treat for the physician and frustrating for the patient. New technology developed at the Mayo Clinic in collaboration with Tenex Health TXTM offers a minimally invasive solution that is restoring hope to patients suffering from this debilitating condition.
The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the heel of the foot to the toes. This structure is primarily responsible for supporting the arch of the foot and absorbing the shock creating from walking, running or standing. With plantar fasciitis, small tears in the fascia become inflamed and painful which result in scar tissue formation. Scar tissue is extremely problematic because it creates adhesions on the plantar fascia, which restricts flexibility of the arch and hinders normal movement. Increased risk factors for plantar fasciitis include distance running, poor foot bio- mechanics (I.E. flat footed or high arches), as well as obesity and occupations that require prolonged standing.
Clinical diagnosis is usually made by physical examination, however X-ray imaging and diagnostic ultrasound are often performed to evaluate the underlying etiology of the condition. It is not uncommon to also find a spur on the heel where the plantar fascia attaches. Heel spurs can also be a source of pain and inflammation, but not always.
Most cases of plantar fasciitis can be managed with rest, anti-inflammatory medications and a home stretching program. For more challenging cases, a cortisone injection into the plantar fascia with a regiment of physical therapy is very beneficial. Often an orthotic (an insert in the shoe) is recommended to support the arch and normalize the bio-mechanic of the foot. Until recently, if a patient failed conservative intervention they would often become a candidate for a surgical detachment of the plantar fascia. Patients seeking a less invasive procedure then surgery are turning to Tenex Health TXTM, with excellent outcomes.
The Tenex Health TXTM procedure involves using ultrasound-imaging technology, the same kind used to see babies in the womb, this will help the doctor identify the specific location of damaged, painful scar tissue. The physician will then create a micro incision at the injured site and insert the TX MicroTip (which is the size of a tooth pick.). The TX MicroTip uses ultrasonic energy to precisely remove only your damaged tissue, breaking it down; without removing or hurting any healthy tissue.
Some of the a
dvantages of Tenex Health TXTM over traditional surgery include:
- Quick pain relief
- Rapid return to
normal activity - Local anesthetic used instead of general anesthesia
- No sutures or stiches
- Minimally invasive, not open surgery
Performance Ortho utilizes an all encompassing, inter-disciplinary team approach to treatment unlike any other facility in the area. In some cases, the patient will also receive Regenerative Injection Therapy (Stem Cells or Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy) in conjunction with Tenex TXTM for a more comprehensive approach. To date, we have experienced excellent clinical outcomes utilizing the Tenex Health TMTM technology.
If you are suffering from stubborn plantar fascia or other heel pain please feel free to call one of our Patient Care Coordinators at 908-756-2424 you may contact us online.
About the author
Joseph Mejia D.O., F.A.A.P.M.&R, Is a graduate of University of Michigan and West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. He is Board Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. Dr. Mejia received his Fellowship Training in Interventional Pain Management from University of Medicine and Dentistry. He has advanced training in Regenerative Medicine and is the Medical Director and Partner of Performance Ortho.
Ronald Spiaggia, DC is s a graduate of New York Chiropractic College. He is a Board Certified Chiropractic Physician. His expertise is in conservative, non-surgical treatment of acute and chronic spinal and extremity disorders, with a clinical focus on herniated discs, spinal rehabilitation and sports injuries. He is the Founder and Clinical Director of Performance Ortho.