Achilles Tendonitis Embolization(TAME)

A minimally invasive treatment for chronic Achilles tendon pain

Understanding Achilles Tendonitis

Pain at the back of your heel can make walking or even standing difficult. Achilles tendonitis (also called Achilles tendinopathy) is a common cause of this discomfort—especially in people who are active or on their feet for long hours.

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in your body.
It connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and plays a key role in movements such as:

1. Walking
2. Running
3. Climbing stairs
4. Standing on your toes

What Happens in Achilles Tendonitis?

In chronic Achilles tendinopathy, the tendon becomes:

1. Painful
2. Thickened
3. Damaged over time

This usually develops because of:

1. Repetitive strain or overuse (common in sports or active work)
2. Poor biomechanics (how your feet and legs move)
3. Age-related wear and tear

Unlike an acute injury, this is a degenerative condition, not just simple inflammation.

Common Symptoms

People often experience:

1. A dull ache or stiffness behind the heel
2. Pain that worsens with walking, running, or climbing stairs
3. Swelling or tenderness around the tendon

Conventional Treatments

Initial management often includes:

1. Rest and activity modification
2. Heel lifts or braces
3. Physiotherapy
4. Anti-inflammatory medication

However, if pain persists beyond 3–6 months, these standard treatments may no longer provide adequate relief.

A New Option: Transarterial microembolization (TAME)

For patients with ongoing pain, a new minimally invasive procedure called TAME (transarterial microembolization) may offer lasting relief.

What is it?

This procedure targets abnormal tiny blood vessels that form around the diseased tendon and contribute to ongoing inflammation and pain.By carefully blocking these abnormal vessels, embolization reduces pain and promotes natural healing.

Who May Benefit?

You may be a good candidate if:

1. You’ve had Achilles tendon pain for more than 3 months
2. You’ve tried physiotherapy, medications, shockwave therapy, or injections without lasting relief
3. You wish to avoid or delay surgery
4. Imaging shows abnormal blood flow or inflammation near the tendon

How is the Procedure Performed?

1. Performed by an interventional radiologist
2. Done under local anaesthesia and mild sedation
3. A tiny catheter (tube) is inserted into an artery, usually in the groin
4. Using real-time X-ray guidance, the catheter is navigated to the arteries supplying the Achilles tendon
5. Microscopic particles are then injected to block the abnormal vessels while keeping normal circulation intact
6. The procedure usually takes about one hour and is performed as a day-stay treatment

Benefits

1. Minimally invasive – no surgical incision
2. Done under local anaesthesia
3. Quick recovery – most patients return to normal activity within days
4. Pain improvement often seen within weeks
5. May restore mobility and reduce dependence on medications
6. Can delay or avoid surgery

Risks and Side Effects

Complications are rare, but possible effects include:

1. Mild bruising or tenderness where the catheter was inserted
2. Temporary warmth, numbness, or mild discolouration near the ankle
3. A short-term increase in tendon pain for a few days
4. Very rarely: infection, tissue injury, or skin ulceration

After the Procedure

1. Most patients go home the same day
2. Light activities can usually resume within a few days
3. Pain typically improves gradually over several weeks to months
4. Clinical studies have shown sustained pain relief and functional improvement for up to two years
5. Physiotherapy is recommended to help restore strength and flexibility

Talk to Us

If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis and are looking for a non-surgical treatment option, speak with your interventional radiologist or referring doctor to see whether TAME for your Achilles tendonitis is suitable for you.