A minimally invasive option for chronic Achilles pain—without surgery

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.

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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.

Physical therapist performing a foot massage during treatment

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

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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.

Physiotherapist examining a patient's leg

Is it covered by insurance?

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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.

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