Ankle Tendonitis: Types, Symptoms & Treatment In Saratoga Springs

You are probably wondering what Tendonitis of the foot and ankle is. Tendonitis is also known as tendinitis. It’s a condition in which the tissue connecting muscle to bone becomes inflamed. It’s a condition usually caused by unexpected sharp movements or repetitive exercises such as running, jumping, throwing, etc. Also, having a poor posture while carrying out any work or playing a particular sport can hugely cause Tendonitis. This article will put across the different types of Tendonitis of the foot and ankle in Saratoga Springs and the kinds of symptoms people experience, and possible treatments.

Types Of Ankle Tendonitis

There is a couple of common Tendonitis including plantar fasciitis, which may sometimes affect the shoulder. Here is a detailed guide on these common types:

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles Tendinitis affects patients by developing at the back of the ankle. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Achilles Tendinitis is very common in runners and middle-aged people who engage in different sports, most probably only during the weekends. If left untreated, Achilles tendonitis may lead to a series of tears within the tendon, making it vulnerable to rupture, which requires a more severe treatment option that includes casting or surgery.

Resting your foot helps with ankle pain. If you continue to feel discomfort after resting your foot for about two weeks, then this would not be considered acute Achilles Tendonitis but rather chronic tendinopathy. Chronic cases are less common than acute ones.

What Are The Symptoms Of Tendonitis In The Ankle?

The main symptom is pain. The pain may be felt at the back of the ankle or heel bone, and it can sometimes worsen after running or jumping.

Treatment Of Achilles Tendonitis

Applying ice packs to the tendon when in pain or after exercising can help in alleviating pain and inflammation
Resting a lot gives the tissue time to heal. However, the type of rest mainly needed depends on the severity of the symptoms. It may mean reducing the intensity of a workout in mild cases, but in severe cases, one might require complete rest for several days or weeks.
Keeping the feet raised above the level of the heart can help reduce swelling.
Taking pain-relieving drugs such as ibuprofen that helps in reducing pain and swelling
Doctors recommend cortisone injection as a potent anti-inflammatory medication, and also it can be used if treatment fails. Giving the injection while scanning the area with ultrasound can help reduce the risk too.
Using high-energy shockwaves, which are used to stimulate the healing process

Posterior Tibial Tendonitis

It’s a dysfunction that develops on the inner side of the ankle. It usually occurs when the posterior tibial tendon becomes inflamed or torn. This may result in the tendon’s instability, making it difficult for it to provide stability and support for the arch of the foot, which eventually causes a flatfoot.

Symptoms

Swelling on the inner side of the foot where the tendon lies that often arises when pushing off the foot
Pain on the outside of the ankle if the foot collapses
Pain that worsens with activities, especially high intensity or high impact activities such as running

Treatment Of The Ankle Pain

Taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen that helps in relieving pain and swelling
Wearing orthotics with proper arch support for flat feet prevents the foot from rolling inwards when walking or running
Icing to help reduce pain as well as doing ultrasound therapy that helps significantly in reducing the pain
Bracing for use during activities that involve repetitive ankle motion
Doctors recommend cortisone injection as its a powerful anti-inflammatory medication, and also it can be used if treatment fails
Insoles to give flat feet proper support

Peroneal Tendinosis

This one occurs at the outer side of the ankle. It appears when there is an increased load and overuse of the tendons leading to them rubbing on the bone. This friction typically causes the tendons to swell over time. This results in tendons thickening in size to try and manage the increased load more efficiently. Athletes and especially runners, commonly experience peroneal Tendonitis since they are most likely to make their feet roll outwards, causing friction between the tendon and bone.

Symptoms

Occurrence of pain around the back
A feeling of pain on the outer side of the ankle and foot, especially when standing or pushing off the foot
Instability of the ankle during activities
Pain that decreases with rest
Swelling or tenderness behind the ankle bone on the outside of the ankle

Treatment

Taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen that helps in relieving pain and swelling
Stopping the foot and ankle from moving using a boot or support
Icing to help reduce pain as well as doing ultrasound therapy that helps significantly in reducing the pain
Bracing for use during activities that involve repetitive ankle motion
Doctors recommend cortisone injection as its a powerful anti-inflammatory medication

Flexor Tendonitis

Flexor tendon enables one to flex the big toe and stand on the tips of the toes. Flexor tendonitis It’s an injury that occurs at the ankle’s inner back as it extends from the calf muscle and to the big toe.

Symptoms

Inability to bend one or more fingers joint
Numbness in the fingertip
Pain when a finger is bent
Tenderness along with the finger on the palm side of the hand

Treatment

Gently massaging the painful toe
Taking painkillers medication
Doing physical therapy
Taking painkillers to reduce pain
Taking time to rest to allow the injury to heal
Icing the painful area to reduce pain

Extensor Tendonitis

The extensor tendons are what allow you to move your toes. Extensor tendonitis involves inflammation of those muscle tendons that control lifting the ankle, the big toe, and all the other toes of the foot. The discomfort is usually felt around the midpoint of the top of the foot.

Symptoms

Extensor tendonitis of the foot symptoms include:

Pain directly on the top of the foot gets worse with activity and better with rest
Crepitus or crackling noise at the affected tendon site
Stiffness of the joint
Decreased range of motion
Redness, warmth, or swelling

Treatment

The treatment’s primary goal is to reduce irritation, inflammation, and pain in the foot’s top. This mainly done possibly by:

Resting allows the tendon to heal

Putting ice on the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation.
Exercises that help in improving strength and endurance
Steroids injections that help reduce inflammation caused by persistent pain
Walking boot to keep foot and ankle immobilized during the healing process

Ankle Tendonitis Treatment In Saratoga Springs

There are many different tendons in the foot today. When faced with injuries, it’s important to note the symptoms arising to enable you to come with a proper verdict on how to go about the necessary treatment. When injuries occur, it’s essential to seek medical attention and proper treatment before the situation worsens and results in more serious medical problems.

At Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute, we have a team of foot doctors who have the experience and knowledge to diagnose and treat tendonitis. We offer a personalized treatment plan for you to get back on track.

Contact our certified podiatrists today to schedule an appointment or call us directly at 801-756-4200 to discuss therapy methods.