Ankle arthritis
Arthritis and ongoing ankle pain that can make it hard to walk comfortably.
Ankle pain that keeps you from walking comfortably
Long-lasting ankle arthritis pain may be worth a closer look. Ask about our evaluation for TAME for the ankle, an early-stage option for selected patients.
- Minimally invasive options
- Outpatient care, no hospital stay
- Insurance checked before your visit
- Se habla español
TAMETAME for the ankle
Why it matters
Ankle pain that hasn't gone away
Ankle arthritis and ongoing ankle pain can make it hard to walk comfortably, and stiffness or swelling around the joint often comes along with it. Many people get relief from standard care such as rest, activity changes, physical therapy, supportive shoes or bracing, and medicine.
When pain continues, our team evaluates whether TAME for the ankle may fit. TAME is at an early stage of research, so we explain what is known, what is not, and what your other options are.
Common symptoms
Does this sound familiar?
If any of these keep you from the things you enjoy, a visit can help find the cause and the options that fit you.
- Long-lasting ankle pain
- Ankle stiffness
- Ankle swelling
- Pain that limits walking
Conditions we treat
Conditions we evaluate and treat
Long-lasting ankle pain
Ankle pain that has continued for months despite standard care.
Ankle stiffness and swelling
Stiffness or swelling around the ankle joint that can limit how far and how comfortably you walk.
Treatments
Treatment options
Every plan starts with an evaluation. Your provider reviews your history, imaging and the treatments you have tried, then explains which options may fit.
TreatmentStandard care first
Rest, activity changes, physical therapy, supportive shoes or bracing, and medicine help many people with ankle pain feel better.
- Usually the starting point
- Many people improve with this care
Who it may help: Everyone with ankle pain.
TreatmentTAME
TAME for the ankle
For arthritis and ongoing ankle pain, contrast dye and X-ray find small arteries with extra blood flow around the joint, and tiny particles reduce that flow. The catheter is usually placed at the top of the thigh or near the ankle.
- Outpatient
- Research is at an early stage
- Results vary
Who it may help: Selected people with long-lasting ankle arthritis pain that other treatments haven't helped enough.
Find out which options fit you
Our team checks your insurance before your visit.
What to expect
From first visit to follow-up
Screening visit
We review your history, examine your ankle and look at your imaging. Bring your medication list, insurance card, recent X-rays or MRI reports, and a list of treatments you have tried.
An honest plan
You and your specialist make a plan together, usually starting with the simplest options. We explain benefits, risks and alternatives, and if a procedure is not a good fit, we will tell you and suggest next steps. We check your insurance before anything is scheduled.
Outpatient treatment
If you are a candidate, the procedure is done at our main center through a small puncture, with numbing medicine and relaxing medicine. Most people rest a few hours and go home the same day.
Follow-up
We check in after treatment and track your pain and walking. Keep up with physical therapy and supportive footwear as pain eases.
Our team
Led by experienced physicians
Chief Medical Officer
Vinod Kumar, MD, FACC, RPVI
Dr. Kumar is a board-certified cardiologist and vascular specialist who leads the Heart Vascular & Leg Center and Advanced Joint Pain & Vascular Center team. He treats arterial and venous disease, nonhealing wounds and joint pain with minimally invasive, image-guided techniques, and trained in joint embolization in Tokyo with Dr. Yuji Okuno.
Serving Kern County since 1992Part of Heart Vascular & Leg Center.
Minimally invasive careImage-guided options, done as outpatient procedures.
Insurance checked firstWe verify coverage and referrals before your visit.
Se habla españolOur team speaks English and Spanish.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Does ankle pain always need a procedure?
No. Many people improve with standard care such as rest, activity changes, physical therapy, supportive shoes or bracing, and medicine. A procedure is only considered when pain continues despite that care.
What is TAME for the ankle?
TAME stands for transcatheter arterial microembolization. Contrast dye and X-ray find small arteries with extra blood flow around the joint, and tiny particles reduce that flow. It is at an early stage of research, and your specialist will talk through what is known.
Who may be a candidate?
Selected people with long-lasting ankle arthritis pain that other treatments have not helped enough. A screening visit helps decide whether it fits your diagnosis and goals.
How strong is the evidence?
Research on TAME for the ankle is at an early stage, and results vary. An evaluation should include its uncertainties and your other options.
Will my insurance cover it?
Coverage for joint embolization varies, and some plans consider it still being studied. Before your visit, our team verifies your coverage, referral requirements and any expected costs. We accept Medicare and many other plans, but plan acceptance does not mean every procedure is covered.
Locations
Find a location near you
Enter your ZIP code or city to see our offices sorted by distance. Procedures are done at our main center; our other offices see patients for consultations and follow-up visits.
Visit us
- Call for an appointment
- (661) 324-4100
- Locations
- 8 offices across Central and Southern California. Find the one nearest you
- Main website
- heartandleg.com