Tendonitis is a common overuse injury that affects the feet and ankles. It’s characterized by inflammation of a tendon — the thick cords that connect your muscles to your bones.
Though tendonitis can occur anywhere in the body, it’s especially common in the lower extremities, including the heels and ankles.
Most cases of tendonitis respond to conservative, at-home treatments, including ice, rest, and over-the-counter medication. If you tear or rupture a tendon, more extensive intervention may be necessary, like minimally invasive surgery.
Common symptoms of tendonitis include a dull, aching pain that occurs near or around a joint, tenderness, and mild swelling. As tendonitis worsens, you might also find it difficult to extend the affected joint, exercise, or perform other routine tasks.
Tendonitis affects all types of people, but several factors may increase your risk, including:
If you experience any type of tendon pain, listen to your body and take a break. If you decide to push through your symptoms, the risk of more serious complications significantly increases.
There’s no way to prevent tendonitis, but there are things you can do to significantly lower your risk. The team at DeLoor Podiatry Associates recommends stretching before exercise, using proper workplace ergonomics, and practicing good posture.
If you play a sport like golf or bowling, it’s also important to practice proper technique.
To diagnose tendonitis, your DeLoor Podiatry Associates provider conducts a physical exam, asks about your symptoms, and has you perform a series of range-of-motion and mobility exercises.
If these measures don’t provide enough information, the team might recommend X-rays or another type of diagnostic imaging.
Treatment of tendonitis depends on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. Typically, the team at DeLoor Podiatry Associates recommends conservative treatments like rest, ice, and proper form.
If your symptoms worsen, you might benefit from prescription pain medication, corticosteroid injections, Tenjet®, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
Tenjet is an advanced treatment that uses an ultrasonic stream of water to remove a diseased or damaged tendon. PRP uses your body’s own platelets and growth factors to minimize swelling and encourage your body’s healing process.
If you tear or rupture a tendon, surgery might be necessary to repair the tissue and prevent additional complications.
To receive treatment for tendonitis, make an appointment at DeLoor Podiatry Associates by calling the nearest office or clicking the online booking tool today.
