Tendonitis is an inflammation of a tendon. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Inflammation is pain, swelling, and irritation due to injury, overuse, infection, or disease. Tendons, unlike ligaments that attach bones to other bones, go through a lot more motion and movement. This increased amount of movement frequently makes them the first to be injured and, sadly, the last to heal.
There are a lot of tendons in the foot and ankle. Nine major tendons pass the ankle joint alone. Thankfully, we at the New Mexico Foot and Ankle Institute understand these and can customize treatments for each individual tendon or problem. Not every tendonitis can be treated with simple ice and rest.
Tendonitis Treatment Options
There are many treatments that can be used to not only manage tendonitis but to decrease pain and increase strength. Our huge variety of braces, shoes, orthotics, and specialized pads can offer dramatic relief despite being simple additions to treatment plans. Our goal is to get patients back into 100% activity as fast as possible and to prevent tendonitis from ever happening again.
Advanced Tendonitis Treatment Options
In addition to traditional treatment methods, we offer cutting-edge therapies that can significantly improve healing and reduce pain:
- Shockwave Therapy: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in damaged tendons. This innovative approach works by:
- Increasing blood circulation to the affected area
- Stimulating cellular repair mechanisms
- Breaking down calcium deposits in chronic tendonitis
- Reducing pain and inflammation
- Promoting faster healing without surgical intervention
The treatment involves directing concentrated shock waves directly to the injured tendon. Patients typically require 3-5 sessions spaced several weeks apart, with many experiencing significant improvement in pain and mobility.
- Laser Therapy: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is another advanced treatment option that offers remarkable benefits for tendonitis:
- Reduces inflammation at the cellular level
- Accelerates tissue repair and cell growth
- Increases blood flow to the injured area
- Provides pain relief without medications
- Supports natural healing processes
The laser emits specific wavelengths of light that penetrate deep into the tissue, triggering biochemical changes that promote healing. Treatment is quick, painless, and can be completed in just a few minutes per session.
Comprehensive Treatment Approach
Our huge variety of braces, shoes, orthotics, and specialized pads can offer dramatic relief despite being simple additions to treatment plans. By combining these traditional supportive methods with advanced therapies like shockwave and laser treatment, we can provide a comprehensive approach to tendonitis management.
Our goal remains to get patients back into 100% activity as fast as possible and to prevent tendonitis from ever happening again. Each treatment plan is carefully customized to the individual's specific condition, activity level, and healing potential.
Why Choose Advanced Therapies?
- Non-invasive alternatives to surgery
- Minimal side effects
- Rapid recovery times
- Targeted healing approach
- Reduced reliance on pain medications
Whether you're an athlete dealing with chronic tendon issues or someone experiencing persistent tendon pain, our advanced treatment options offer hope and effective healing strategies.
