Tenex Treatment for Chronic Tendon Pain Available in Arlington, VA
Common among athletes, tendinopathy is an overuse injury that can affect tendons in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee and heel. These strong bands of fibrous tissue, which connect muscle to bone, can develop tiny tears through repetitive strain. Over time, an inflamed tendon can gradually break down. As scar tissue forms around the injury site, it can change the structure of the tendon and impair its function, leading to chronic pain. If left untreated, tendinopathy may lead to joint instability.
At Nirschl Orthopaedic Center, we offer a full range of treatment options for tendinopathy, including innovative Tenex procedures. In most cases, tendinopathy treatment begins with a period of rest and ice applications followed by stretching and strengthening exercises, a counterforce brace, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or cortisone injections. Tenex or surgery may be considered to address persistent pain that does not respond to several weeks of conservative treatment.
Tenex Treatment for Severe Tendinopathy
As a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery, Tenex can effectively address chronic tendon pain. When performing a Tenex procedure, a surgeon utilizes ultrasound technology in two ways:
The Tenex Surgical Tool
This pen-like device, which contains a needle within a needle, can address damaged tissue without disrupting surrounding healthy tissue. Moving back and forth like a tiny jackhammer, the inner needle creates an ultrasonic wave of energy to break up scar tissue. Meanwhile, a saline flushing system within the outer needle suctions away the resulting debris.
Real-Time Imaging
Throughout the Tenex procedure, the surgeon is guided by conventional ultrasound imaging, which uses high-frequency sound waves to capture images of the body’s internal structures. These images, which are displayed on a monitor in real time, can help the surgeon identify damaged tissue and operate with a high level of precision.
Tenex requires specialized expertise. In addition to having the skill and dexterity required to utilize the Tenex tool, the surgeon must be able to distinguish scar tissue from healthy tendon tissue using ultrasound guidance.
If you would like to explore your treatment options for tendinopathy with an orthopedic specialist at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center, contact us at (703) 525-2200 to schedule an appointment at our sports medicine center in Arlington, VA. We can help you determine if Tenex is right for you.