Tenotomy: Procedure, What It Is & Why It's Used
Foot problems can affect daily life in many ways, especially for people with diabetes. Tight tendons, foot deformities, pressure points, and repeated ulcers can make walking painful and increase the risk of long-term complications. In many such cases, doctors may recommend a tenotomy procedure, which is a simple and effective method used to release a tight tendon.
A tenotomy is a small, minimally invasive treatment that cuts or releases part of a tendon to improve movement, reduce pressure, and prevent future injuries. At Surat Diabetic Foot and Ulcer Clinic, this procedure is often used to reduce pressure on areas of the foot that keep developing wounds or corns. Many patients experience relief soon after the treatment, and it helps prevent ulcers from returning.
Understanding what a tenotomy is, how it works, and why it is useful can help patients feel more confident about their treatment plan.
Types of Tenotomy Procedures
A tenotomy can be performed in different ways depending on the patient’s condition and the tendon involved. All methods aim to safely release the tight tendon to restore natural movement.
Here are the most common types:
Percutaneous Tenotomy
This is the most common form. It is a quick procedure where a small needle or blade is used to release the tendon through a tiny puncture in the skin. No stitches are required, and recovery is usually fast.
Open Tenotomy
In some cases, especially when more visibility is needed, a small incision is made to cut the tendon. This method is used for larger or more complex tendon issues.
Surgical Tenotomy for Foot Conditions
surgical tenotomy is often used to correct deformities like claw toes or hammertoes that cause repeated pressure on the foot. It helps reduce friction and prevents ulcers in diabetic patients.
Tendon Release Surgery for Overuse Injuries
tendon release surgery may be recommended for chronic tendon tightness or inflammation that does not improve with physiotherapy or other treatments.
Each type of tenotomy has a specific purpose and is selected based on what will most effectively relieve the patient’s symptoms.
Why Tenotomy Is Performed
Tenotomy is used to treat conditions that occur when tendons become too tight or shortened. Tight tendons create abnormal pressure on certain parts of the foot, leading to skin breakdown, pain, and mobility issues.
Key reasons for performing a tenotomy surgery include:
Reducing Pressure on the Foot
Tight tendons increase pressure on the toes or other areas, leading to corns, calluses, or ulcers.
Correcting Toe Deformities
Conditions like hammertoes and claw toes are common in diabetic patients. Releasing the tendon helps straighten the toes.
Preventing Recurrent Ulcers
Repeated ulcers are a serious concern for diabetic patients. A tenotomy reduces pressure on high-risk areas and lowers the chance of ulcers returning.
Improving Walking Comfort
The procedure helps restore natural movement, making standing and walking easier.
Treating Tendon Injuries
Some chronic tendon injuries or inflammation may require tendon release to relieve pain.
At Surat Diabetic Foot and Ulcer Clinic, tenotomy is commonly used to treat recurring toe ulcers. It is safe, effective, and often recommended before a more invasive surgery is considered.
The Tenotomy Surgery Process
A tenotomy is usually simple, quick, and done as an outpatient procedure. Here is what typically happens:
Preparation
The area is cleaned, and local anesthesia is given to numb the foot. This makes the procedure painless.
Releasing the Tendon
For a percutaneous tenotomy, the doctor inserts a fine blade or needle through the skin and carefully cuts the tight tendon. In open procedures, a small incision is made.
Checking Toe Position and Pressure Relief
Once the tendon is released, the toe becomes straighter and pressure reduces immediately.
Dressing the Area
A simple dressing is applied. Most patients can walk soon after with guidance from the doctor.
The entire tenotomy procedure usually takes only a few minutes. Since it is minimally invasive, healing is much quicker than other foot surgeries.
Recovery and Post-Procedure Care
Recovery after a tenotomy is usually smooth, especially when performed in a specialised foot care clinic. Most patients can resume normal walking within a short time.
What to Expect During Recovery:
- Mild soreness for a few days
- A small bandage over the treated area
- Gradual improvement in toe position
- Less pressure and reduced pain while walking
Care Tips After Tenotomy:
- Keep the dressing dry and clean
- Avoid tight footwear for a few days
- Use the recommended footwear or insoles
- Attend follow-up visits
- Watch for any redness or swelling
Most patients heal well and feel relief quickly. A tenotomy often prevents future ulcers, especially in diabetic individuals.
Tenotomy in Diabetic Foot Care
For people with diabetes, foot care is extremely important because even minor pressure points can lead to serious complications. A tight tendon can create a constant pressure spot that breaks down the skin. Over time, this may lead to ulcers that are difficult to heal.
Tenotomy is particularly helpful in diabetic foot management because it:
- Reduces pressure on high-risk areas
- Prevents recurring ulcers
- Corrects toe deformities that cause friction
- Improves balance and walking
- Helps avoid more invasive surgeries
At Surat Diabetic Foot and Ulcer Clinic , we use tenotomy for patients who continue to develop ulcers despite good footwear and offloading. It is a simple option that provides long-term relief.
For diabetic patients, the goal is not only to heal current wounds but also to prevent new ones. Tenotomy plays an important role in achieving this.
Finding Expert Care for Tenotomy
If you are considering a tenotomy, choosing an experienced team is very important. Because the foot has delicate structures, the procedure should be done by skilled professionals familiar with diabetic foot complications.
At Surat Diabetic Foot and Ulcer Clinic, patients receive:
- Complete podiatry assessment
- Pressure mapping
- Personalised treatment planning
- Safe tenotomy procedures
- Follow-up care for long-term foot health
As a dedicated diabetic foot clinic, we focus on preventing complications and improving mobility for every patient.
Whether you are dealing with toe deformities , repeated ulcers, or tendon-related issues, expert care can make a big difference in your recovery and long-term comfort.
FAQs
How Long is a Tenotomy Procedure?
A tenotomy is a quick procedure. Most percutaneous (needle-based) tenotomies take only a few minutes to complete. Even open tenotomy, which involves a small incision, usually finishes within 10–15 minutes. Since it is done under local anesthesia, patients can go home the same day. There is no long hospital stay required.
What is the Purpose of a Tenotomy?
The main purpose of a tenotomy is to release a tight or shortened tendon. This helps reduce pressure on certain parts of the foot, especially the toes. It is very useful for correcting deformities such as hammertoes or claw toes, which are common in diabetic patients. By reducing pressure, the procedure helps prevent repeated corns, calluses, or ulcers that can become serious if untreated.
What is the Recovery Like After a Tenotomy?
Recovery is usually smooth and quick because the procedure is minimally invasive. Most people can walk soon after the treatment, though they may need special footwear or support for a short time. Mild soreness is normal for a few days. The small wound heals fast with basic care.
Follow-up visits help check healing and ensure the toes are in the correct position. Many diabetic patients notice that the pressure areas reduce immediately after the procedure.
Is a Tenotomy Painful?
No. A tenotomy is performed under local anesthesia, so the patient does not feel pain during the procedure. After the treatment, there may be slight soreness or discomfort, but it is usually mild and temporary. Most patients say they feel much more relief than pain, especially once the pressure on the foot reduces.
What is the Success Rate of Tenotomy?
Tenotomy has a high success rate, especially for preventing and treating pressure-related ulcers in diabetic patients. Many studies show excellent outcomes when the procedure is done at the right time. It is simple, safe, and effective for reducing deformities and preventing ulcers from returning. With proper follow-up care and footwear, patients enjoy long-lasting results.
