Achilles Tendinopathy Embolization
Non-Surgical Relief for Chronic Achilles Tendinitis. Achilles Tendinopathy Embolization is an advanced, non-surgical procedure that targets the abnormal blood vessels around the tendon causing pain and inflammation.
Contact AVC to see if you are a candidate for Achilles Tendinopathy Embolization.
Overview
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body—connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. You rely on it for walking, running, and even standing on your toes.
Chronic Achilles tendinopathy (or tendinitis) occurs when this tendon becomes painful, thickened, and damaged over time—usually due to overuse, poor biomechanics, or aging. Unlike a one-time injury, this condition involves ongoing degeneration, not just inflammation.
People often describe:
- Aching pain or stiffness in the back of the heel
- Worsening pain with walking or activity
- Swelling or tenderness around the tendon
For some, physical therapy, braces, and rest provide relief. But when the pain lasts more than 3 months, traditional treatments may fall short—and that’s where a new, minimally invasive option can help.
What Is Achilles Tendon Embolization?
Achilles Tendon Embolization (ATE) is an advanced, non-surgical procedure that targets the abnormal blood vessels around the tendon that cause pain and inflammation.
It works by treating those abnormal vessels with a medication, which calms the surrounding nerves and allows the tendon to heal—without cutting, injections, or long recovery times. It’s performed by an interventional vascular specialist using live x-rays to guide a catheter directly to the abnormal blood vessels. Patients are back on their feet the same day.
Benefits of Achilles Tendon Embolization
- Minimally Invasive – No surgery or large incisions
- Fast Recovery – Patients walk immediately after the procedure
- Long-Term Pain Relief – Studies show major reduction in pain levels
- Outpatient Treatment – Performed in our vascular center, not a hospital
- No General Anesthesia – Local anesthesia only and a mild sedative
- Targets the Source – Novel way to treat abnormal blood vessels causing inflammation
For many patients, this procedure is a life-changing alternative to surgery.
What Does the Research Say?
Clinical studies from Japan, Europe, and the U.S. show:
- Significant pain reduction in over 70–90% of patients
No major complications or long-term issues reported - Improved walking function and quality of life
- Benefits sustained for months to years after the procedure
It’s one of the most promising alternatives to Achilles tendon surgery available today.
Why Choose Advanced Vascular Centers?
At Advanced Vascular Centers, you’ll receive:
- A thorough diagnosis with imaging confirmation
- Treatment from board-certified vascular specialists
- A comfortable, modern outpatient environment
- Personalized care before, during, and after your procedure
- Access to advanced techniques not widely available elsewhere
Patient Flow
At Advanced Vascular Centers, ATE is performed by expert interventionalists following the original Okuno method, below you can find information on the individual steps we take for each patient.
- Pre-procedural consultation
As a patient, you will meet with the doctor beforehand and we review your symptoms, exam findings, prior medical record, and prior imaging (X-ray, MRI, or CT) to confirm your diagnosis. We discuss your case in depth and make sure you have a complete understanding of the procedure.
- Procedure day
- Check in – One to two hours beforehand to prepare and to review your medical history.
- Numbing medication – Local numbing medication is given at the access site (usually the groin or ankle). A mild relaxing medication can be given to make you comfortable as well. A nurse will be monitoring your blood pressure as a precaution while our doctor is performing the procedure.
- Access – A tiny IV (needle) accesses the blood vessel and a catheter is inserted and guided into the arteries supplying the Achilles tendon.
- Treatment – Once the catheter is in the correct position, medication is injected to block the abnormal vessels. The normal blood vessels supplying the foot remain open.
- Completion – The catheter is removed, and a small bandage is applied—no stitches, no open incisions.
- Recovery
- Rest for approximately 30 minutes after the procedure.
- You go home about 1 hour after the procedure.
- Most patients resume light activity the next day.
- Full activity will resume in about 1 week.
- Pain relief typically begins within 2–4 weeks and can be sustained for 2+ years.
- Follow-up
- 1 month after the procedure we see you in our clinic to check how you are feeling after the treatment.
- If you are progressing as expected, no further follow up is needed.
- We love hearing and sharing in our patients’ success so we encourage all our patients to follow up as needed!
Who Is a Good Candidate?
This procedure may be right for you if:
- You’ve had Achilles tendon pain for 3 months or longer
- You’ve already tried physical therapy, rest, injections, and/or bracing without success
- You want to avoid surgery or long recovery
We’ll evaluate your case with care and precision to ensure the treatment is right for your condition.
Risks & Complications
Achilles Tendon Embolization is very safe when performed by an experienced vascular specialist. Most patients experience no serious complications, but like any medical procedure, there are risks:
Possible (but uncommon) side effects:
- Mild bruising or soreness at the insertion site
- Temporary numbness or tingling in the foot or ankle
- Minor temporary swelling or stiffness around the heel
Serious complications are extremely rare and have never been documented with this procedure. Our team uses advanced imaging and microcatheter techniques to ensure precision and safety.
FAQS
Is this covered by insurance?
Yes! Insurance coverage may vary depending on your provider and plan. Our team at Advanced Vascular Centers will help you verify coverage, explain benefits, and explore options before scheduling the procedure.
What is Achilles Tendinopathy Embolization?
It’s a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that treats chronic Achilles tendon pain by targeting and blocking abnormal blood vessels around the tendon. These tiny vessels are responsible for fueling inflammation and nerve sensitivity. Once they’re blocked, the pain often subsides, and healing begins.
How do I know if I need this procedure?
You may be a candidate if you’ve had Achilles tendon pain for 3 months or more that hasn’t responded to treatments like rest, physical therapy, orthotics, or injections.
What does the procedure feel like? Will it hurt?
The procedure is performed using local anesthesia and a mild sedative—you’ll be awake, but the area is numbed so you won’t feel pain. Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. Mild soreness or bruising may occur, but serious pain is extremely rare.
How long does it take, and can I go home the same day?
Yes! The procedure takes about 45–60 minutes, and it’s done in our outpatient center. You’ll go home the same day and can typically resume light activities the next day.
How soon will I notice results?
Many patients begin noticing improvement within 2 weeks, with continued improvement over the following months. Pain relief is gradual as inflammation subsides. Pain relief can be for years after a single procedure.
Are there risks or side effects?
The procedure is extremely safe, but like any medical treatment, there are small risks. Possible side effects include minor swelling, bruising, or temporary numbness.
What makes this better than surgery or injections?
Unlike surgery, this treatment has no large incisions, no general anesthesia, and little downtime. It also avoids the risks of repeated cortisone injections, which can weaken the tendon and cause the tendon to rupture. Embolization targets the actual source of chronic tendon pain—making it a smart and effective option for long-term relief.
Please contact our office to schedule a consultation to see if Achilles Tendinopathy Embolization is right for you.
TESTIMONIALS
Jack Wood
Marilyn Vogel
Dennis Smith
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References
- Park J, Lee SH, Seo BS, Kim DH, So YH, Kim M, Lee JH, Kim HC, Cho SB, Kim YJ, Choi W. Clinical Outcomes of Transarterial Embolization for Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy Refractory to Conservative Treatment: A Pilot Study. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2023 Jan;34(1):63-70.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jvir.2022.10.003. Epub 2022 Oct 7. PMID: 36216276.
- Epelboym Y, Glaser C, Lan Z, Mandell JC, Burch E, Killoran T, Guermazi A. Transcatheter arterial tendinopathy embolization as a treatment for painful and refractory tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Skeletal Radiol. 2024 Nov;53(11):2429-2435. doi: 10.1007/s00256-024-04649-9. Epub 2024 Mar 27. PMID: 38536416.