Minimally invasive procedure helps patient with tendon pain avoid surgery and return to active lifestyle

Larry Koepfle and his wife, Mary Ellen, have been happily married for many years. They’re both retired and dote on their grandchildren. And several times a week, they go for a run together in their South Bend neighborhood.

“Just being together is an enjoyment. That’s why we’ve been married 42 years,” Larry said proudly.

But about a year ago, these runs were becoming too difficult for Larry. Ankle pain kept him hobbled for weeks on end. He would learn that decades of microtears in his Achilles tendon had caught up with him.

“Being a guy, you don’t necessarily get the best of health care in the younger ages,” he said. “I’d let it heal up, then get back out there when I felt better.”

Reaching out for help

Mary Ellen urged her husband to see a Sports Medicine physician, and Larry booked an appointment with Mitchell Daugherty, MD, with Beacon Bone & Joint Specialists.

“What I like about him is he’s very positive,” Larry said. “He didn’t come up with a textbook answer – we discovered together what the issues could be.”

After an initial round of physical therapy didn’t produce results, Dr. Daugherty sent Larry for some tests. That’s when they zeroed in on the Achilles tendon as the culprit. The Achilles tendon was considerably thickened with scattered calcium build-up, indicating degenerative tendon changes.

At this point, the tendon was unlikely to heal properly without some type of intervention.

They discussed several treatment options and decided on an outpatient procedure in which the physician would break up and remove damaged tissue from Larry’s tendon using a small ultrasound needle, restarting the tendon healing process. Dr. Daugherty performed the procedure through two small incisions – each only about ¼ inch long.

The procedure took just 20 minutes within the convenience of the clinic setting.

“The benefit of this procedure is that it’s minimally invasive, so the patient has an easier recovery and can get back to their previous activities faster,” Dr. Daugherty said. “They can have the procedure done in the office instead of an operating room and avoid anesthesia.”

In addition to Achilles tendon issues, the procedure is effective in treating tendinosis that’s causing pain in other joints. And no referral from a primary care provider is needed; patients looking for conservative, nonsurgical treatment options can go straight to a Sports Medicine specialist.

Back on the right path

Larry gradually recovered after the procedure, initially wearing a boot to protect his ankle and keep him from moving it. After a couple weeks, it was back to physical therapy.

He also gives credit to his physical therapist, who did a great job of helping put him “on the right path” to build up the strength in his Achilles.

Now Larry is back to 100 percent, doing everything he’s done in the past — including runs together with Mary Ellen in their South Bend neighborhood.

“I know a lot of people – and I’m one of them – that would be afraid or hesitant to actually have something done,” Larry said. “I’m glad I did it, because I can have a good quality of life now. I’m very happy. Very happy.”

Interested in learning more?

When your daily life and routines have changed because of bone, joint, muscle or tendon pain, it’s time to see the experts.

Our team at Beacon Bone & Joint Specialists will help you get back to doing what you love – whether that’s playing on the field, running on the weekend or heading out to the garden. Click here for more information and to contact us today.