A minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that reduces abnormal blood flow associated with chronic ankle inflammation, without open surgery.
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A small needle or catheter is placed into an artery, and a thin catheter is guided toward the arteries supplying the ankle.
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Imaging identifies abnormal blood flow around the painful ankle joint and tendons.
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Embolic material is delivered to reduce abnormal inflammatory blood flow.
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The access site is closed and you are monitored before discharge.
What to expect after TAME for Chronic Ankle Pain. Most patients recover quickly and return to normal activities within days.
Outpatient procedure.
You go home the same day.
Light everyday activity is usually fine. Keep the access site clean and dry.
Most patients return to their normal daily activities.
Many patients begin to notice less pain and stiffness.
Pain and function may continue to improve over the following months.
How Transcatheter Arterial Microembolization (TAME) for Chronic Ankle Pain
No. TAME does not regrow cartilage, reverse arthritis, or repair structural joint damage. It is designed to reduce abnormal blood flow associated with chronic inflammation, which may help reduce pain and improve function.
TAME may be considered for selected patients with long-lasting ankle pain from arthritis or chronic tendon and ligament inflammation, especially when conservative treatments have not provided enough relief. Because ankle pain and swelling can also come from vein disease or poor circulation, we check your circulation as part of the evaluation.
A steroid injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly into or around the painful joint. TAME works through the arterial blood supply, targeting abnormal vessels associated with chronic inflammation. Neither treatment restores lost cartilage.
The access area is numbed with local anesthesia, and medication may be provided to help you relax. You may feel a brief pinch or pressure during the procedure, but significant discomfort is not expected.
By reducing pain and inflammation, TAME may help some patients walk, stand and climb stairs more comfortably. Results vary from patient to patient.
Improvement is usually gradual rather than immediate. Some patients may notice changes within the first few weeks, while pain and function may continue to improve over the following months.
TAME is intended to reduce pain and improve function, not repair structural joint damage. If surgery such as ankle fusion or replacement becomes necessary in the future, your foot and ankle specialist can discuss the appropriate options.
Arterial embolization for chronic joint and tendon pain is an emerging minimally invasive treatment. Early studies have shown promising results, but ankle-specific evidence is still limited and larger clinical studies are needed.
Coverage varies by insurance company, diagnosis, medical necessity, and plan requirements. Before treatment is scheduled, our team can verify your benefits and request authorization when required.
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5020 Commerce Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Advanced minimally invasive treatments for knee pain, joint pain poor circulation, vein disease and chronic pain.
Helping patients find relief without major surgery.
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