Tendonitis

Does tendonitis only affect athletes?

Tendonitis is a painful overuse injury that causes one or more of your tendons to become irritated or inflamed. Tendonitis in the feet and ankles is common in runners and athletes but can affect anyone who spends lots of time on their feet.

Your Achilles tendon is the most susceptible to general wear-and-tear. It’s a band of fibrous tissue that connects the bones in your feet to your calf muscles. The Achilles tendon helps you lift your heel off the ground, making it essential for walking, running, and climbing stairs.

What are the symptoms of tendonitis?

Tendonitis symptoms include:

• Leg weakness
• Heel pain
• Ankle pain
• Swelling near or around the Achilles tendon

These symptoms usually occur in the mornings, right after you wake up and get out of bed. 

Should I see a foot and ankle specialist about tendonitis?

Yes. Make an appointment at Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute if you have pain in your heel or just below your ankle that lasts more than a few days. That’s particularly true if your symptoms don’t improve with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, ice, and rest. Without treatment, tendonitis damage can worsen and affect your mobility.

How does a podiatrist diagnose tendonitis?

Your Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including what the pain feels like, where it occurs, and if activities like exercise worsen it. 

Next, they examine your heel, ankle, and the bottom of your foot, looking for redness, bruising, and swelling. Your provider checks your ankle’s range of motion and gently presses on your heel and ankle to identify sensitive places. 

Most cases of tendonitis are easy to diagnose, but if your provider suspects an underlying problem, like heel spurs, they might order X-rays. This allows them to look closer at the bones and joints in your feet and ankles.

How do podiatrists treat tendonitis?

The Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute team treats tendonitis using a conservative and evidence-based approach. They might suggest:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation
• Wearing supportive shoes
• Heel lifts or custom orthotics
• A night splint that stretches your Achilles tendon during sleep
• Walking boot/walking cast
• Calf stretches
• Physical therapy
• Shockwave therapy

If your tendonitis continues or worsens, the team might recommend minimally invasive surgery. 

Call the nearest Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute office today to schedule tendonitis treatment, or book your appointment online.