Living with chronic Achilles pain?
Achilles tendinitis can be frustrating, limiting, and slow to heal—especially when pain has lingered for months despite physical therapy, rest, injections, or orthotics. For patients looking to avoid surgery and return to activity sooner, Achilles Tendinitis Embolization offers a promising, minimally invasive alternative.
What is Achilles Tendinitis Embolization?
Achilles Tendinitis Embolization is an image-guided procedure performed by an interventional radiologist that targets abnormal inflammatory blood vessels surrounding the Achilles tendon.
In chronic tendinitis, these abnormal vessels contribute to ongoing inflammation and pain. By selectively blocking (embolizing) these vessels, the procedure helps reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and support tendon healing—without cutting the tendon or disrupting its structure.
Who may be a candidate?
You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Chronic Achilles tendinitis lasting 3–6 months or longer
- Pain that persists despite:
- Physical therapy
- Activity modification
- NSAIDs
- Heel lifts or orthotics
- Injections
- A desire to avoid surgery
- Pain that interferes with walking, exercise, or daily activities
- A consultation and imaging review are required to determine candidacy.
How the procedure works
- Performed as an outpatient procedure
- A tiny catheter is guided through the blood vessels using live X-ray imaging
- Abnormal inflammatory vessels near the Achilles tendon are precisely targeted
- Microscopic particles are delivered to reduce abnormal blood flow
- No incisions, stitches, or implants
What to expect
Procedure time: ~60 minutes
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with light sedation
Recovery:
- Most patients go home the same day
- Mild soreness for a few days is common
- Many patients resume normal activities within days
- Gradual improvement over weeks as inflammation subsides
Benefits of Achilles Tendinitis Embolization
- Minimally invasive
- No tendon cutting or repair
- No general anesthesia
- Low complication risk
- Faster recovery than surgery
- Can be an option before considering surgical intervention
How is this different from surgery?
Surgery for Achilles tendinitis often involves tendon debridement or repair, requires prolonged immobilization, and carries risks such as tendon weakening or rupture. Embolization works outside the tendon, targeting inflammation rather than structurally altering the tendon itself.
Is it covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Our team will:
- Review your insurance benefits
- Discuss self-pay options if applicable
- Provide transparent cost estimates before scheduling
Take the next step
If Achilles pain is limiting your life and conservative treatments haven’t worked, Achilles Tendinitis Embolization may be worth exploring.
Schedule a consultation to review your imaging, discuss candidacy, and learn whether this treatment is right for you.