Tendinitis

What is tendonitis?

Foot tendonitis occurs when the tendons in your foot become inflamed, usually due to overuse. Your tendons connect muscles to bones, and these strong bands of tissue are vital for proper gait. The symptoms of tendonitis include:

• Pain that worsens with physical activity
• Warmth, redness, or swelling around the tendon
• Bone spurs
• Stiffness when you first wake up or after you’ve been inactive for a while

The tendon may also thicken noticeably.

What are the most common types of foot tendonitis?

You have many tendons in your feet, and while any of them can become irritated, the most common tendonitis complaints are:

Achilles tendonitis

Your Achilles tendon is the strongest in your body and connects your calf muscle to your heel. You may feel pain in the back of the heel that worsens with activity.

Extensor tendonitis

Extensor tendonitis is irritation of the tendon that connects your leg to your toes, so you feel it along the top of your foot.

Peroneal tendonitis

If the tendons that connect your midfoot and arch become inflamed, you experience pain outside or behind your ankle bone.

Posterior tibial tendonitis

Tendons support your foot arch, so tendonitis in this area can flatten your arch and cause significant pain and swelling.

While plantar fasciitis impacts a ligament rather than a tendon, the pain it causes is similar to tendonitis symptoms.

Am I at risk for tendonitis?

You’re more likely to develop tendonitis if you:

• Have flat feet
• Forget to stretch before or after being active
• Have arthritis, gout, or thyroid disease
• Have tight muscles and tendons in your legs
• Are overweight or diabetic
• Use tobacco products or smoke
• Have suffered previous tendon injuries

Athletes are prone to tendonitis, among other sports injuries.

How is tendonitis treated?

Dr. Lynn performs a physical examination and reviews your symptoms. He gently presses on specific areas of your foot, ankle, or calf to see if you have swelling and tenderness. He also assesses your range of motion and strength.

He may order imaging exams if he suspects a foot fracture or a torn tendon. If you have tendonitis, your individualized treatment plan may include:

• Icing the area
• Resting and avoiding activity for a while
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical therapy
• Steroid injections to decrease inflammation and pain

If you experience tendonitis symptoms, schedule an appointment by calling the nearest Comprehensive Podiatric Care office or booking online today.