Question
I am writing this post for my husband who, in July, underwent RF coblation (Topaz) on his left Achilles. He has had chronic Achilles Tendinosis since 1997 (training for a a marathon). He continued to run through the pain and developed a bump on the midportion. Throughout 2006, he abstained from running, performed eccentric calf raises and underwent the coblation. For a couple of onths he was pain free. Now, as he increases his activity, there is significant discomfort. We have read that sclerotherapy or neuroablation may aid his pain since research points to nerves in the AT neovessels being the culprit. What are your thoughts on this? Would you say that his RF coblation was unsuccessful?

Answer
Donna,

The coblation procedure has varying results and some only get short term relief or even no relief.  The same is true for neuroablation. For that matter, there is no procedure that always works.  However, I believe the Topaz is a good option.

In my experience, cryosurgery for Achilles tendonitis can be helpful.  I've had patients get significant relief and some will not respond to any treatment.  Overall, I have had good results.  The success may be acombination of neuroablation and super freezing the tendon itself.  The body may respond to the freezing by trying harder to repair the area.

I assume that your husband has had extensive physical therapy and custom orthotic devices.  If not those are considerations.

As far as Cryosurgery, I believe that is an option.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa,FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.theTampaPodiatrist.com
www.TampaCryosurgery.com