Tendonitis Specialist

What is tendonitis?

All the muscles in your leg, foot, and ankle are attached to your bones by tendons, which are thick cords of tissues. Tendonitis is the result of any inflammation of these tendons, resulting in pain, sometimes to the touch, plus stiffness or swelling.

There are many forms of foot-related tendonitis, including:

• Achilles tendonitis: back of the ankle
• Posterior tibial tendonitis: inner side of ankle
• Peroneal tendinosis: outer side of ankle
• Flexor tendonitis: inner back of the ankle
• Extensor tendonitis: top of the foot

What causes tendonitis?

Overuse is the most common cause of tendonitis. This happens when the tendon is overly stretched during exercise or participating in any repetitive activity.

Other causes of tendonitis include foot structure abnormalities, such as flat feet or high arches, which can put stress on certain tendons in the foot. An ankle injury — especially ankle twists and sprains — can over-stretch the tendons in the ankle or foot and cause tendonitis.

Medical conditions that cause inflammation in the foot — such as foot arthritis or gout — can also result in tendonitis.

How is foot or ankle tendonitis treated?

When you first experience tendonitis symptoms, your first course of action is R.I.C.E. — rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

You should stay off your foot as much as possible and apply ice in 15-20 minute intervals throughout the day, which reduces swelling. An ACE wrap or elastic ankle support offers adequate compression, and also prevents swelling.

An anti-inflammatory pain reliever such as ibuprofen or naproxen reduces pain and swelling as well.

If the pain or swelling increases, then a visit to Dr. Pfitzer or Dr. Brower at Desert Canyon Foot and Ankle is necessary to evaluate the condition and eliminate other possible conditions.

Once tendonitis is confirmed, your podiatrist designs a customized treatment plan for you, which may include wearing a walking boot to immobilize the foot and ankle, allowing it to heal properly.

Your treatment plan may also include physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the foot and ankle muscles — reducing stress on the tendon — as well as prescription anti-inflammatory medication.  

If your foot, ankle, or Achilles tendonitis pain persists, it’s important to seek treatment from the experienced podiatrists at Desert Canyon Foot and Ankle in Avondale, Arizona.

Call or schedule a consultation online and so you can return to your favorite sports and leisure activities as quickly as possible.