Tendonitis happens when thesetendons become inflamedas a result of injury or overuse.
Learn more about what causes tendonitis, how to prevent it, and when to see a healthcare professional.
Types of Tendonitis
Tendonitis can affect different parts of the foot and ankle.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
These different areas include:
Rest and at-home care will usually heal these injuries within a few weeks.
The following are common types of tendonitis of the foot and ankle.
The area may be swollen and warm and it may be difficult to stand on your toes.
Achilles tendonitisis a commonsports injury.
In addition, tight calf muscles can add to the problem.
Swelling may also be present.
For some people, this can cause problems with walking.
Posterior tibial tendonitis is usually associated withflat feet.
Physical therapy can be beneficial.
You may need a short leg cast or walking boot if you have this punch in of tendonitis.
This allows the tendon swelling to go down.
Symptoms ofperoneal tendonitisinclude pain and possibly swelling around the outer ankle and just below and above it.
This causes pain deep in the back of the ankle, on the big toe side.
This may result from shoe laces that are too tight or wearing shoes that don’t fit properly.
It is a common condition among those who dance, figure skate, run, or ski.
Less frequently, health conditions that cause general swelling, likerheumatoid arthritis, can cause it.
High-arched feetare more likely to cause shoe friction that leads to this bang out of tendonitis.
Persons with extensor tendonitis may have pain and swelling on the top of the foot.
This pain may worsen when running both uphill and downhill.
Swelling is not usually an immediate symptom, though it may occur later.
Often, your foot and ankle will become stiff when you have tendonitis.
Causes
Several things may cause tendonitis.
You have more control over some of the causes than others.
For example, you’re free to be careful to stretch and not overuse your muscles.
However, you could’t control your foot structure or whether you develop certain health conditions.
Knowing the source of the pain will help guide treatment.
They can help identify foot abnormalities that may be causing your problem.
It may require physical therapy or orthotics to fully heal.
You also should wear shoes that offer plenty of support and avoid worn-out sneakers.
Finally, when you start a new activity or sport, increase your time and intensity gradually.
Summary
Tendonitis causes pain and swelling in the tendons of your foot and ankle.
There are several types of tendonitis, each affecting different parts of the ankle or foot.
The first line of treatment is resting the ankle.
If the pain continues despite rest, see your healthcare provider.
They will help you find a treatment plan that works for you.
Your healthcare provider may also suggest shoe inserts or other orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, or physical therapy.
Stretching your muscles before exercise is a good way to prevent tendonitis.
Using proper shoes with adequate support and increasing your activity level gradually can also help prevent tendonitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, people with flat feet are more prone to posterior tibial tendonitis.
It runs along the inner side of the ankle and arch.
Shoe orthotics are often used to prevent and treat posterior tibial tendonitis.
Flexor tendonitisfelt deep in the back of the ankle on the interior sideis common in ballet dancers.
It can also be resulting from other activities that require balancing on your toes.
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