What Is Tendonitis of the Foot and Ankle?
Tendonitis is another name for the most common cause of foot or ankle pain. It is when the bone is anchored to the muscles of the foot or ankle by tendons. These tendons are strong, cord-like structures. Tendonitis is an inflammation surrounding a tendon. The pain can get severe and will go away only with rest, only to return.
Some of the most common types of foot and ankle tendonitis are posterior tibial Tendonitis, Achilles tendonitis, peroneal tendinosis, flexor tendonitis, and extensor tendonitis.
You can take several self-care measures to heal the injuries. It can take a few weeks or months in some cases.
What Are Some Symptoms Of Tendonitis?
Some obvious symptoms of Tendonitis are pain swelling during activity or when you stretch the affected tendon. Although the affected tendon may be unbearable to touch due to the pain, it will go away when you rest for a couple of hours.
When you start exercising or begin an activity, you will start experiencing the pain. After continuously exercising, you will notice the pain will lessen and return to its severity after some time. You can also notice a bit of swelling on your foot or ankle, which will become stiff when you have tendons.
What Are Some Causes Of Tendonitis?
It could be due to the overstretching of your tendons or a tear in the tendon. This usually happens during and sporting activity or exercise.
If you are a flat foot person or a person with a high arch, this can create muscular imbalances and stress your tendons.
An injury in your foot or ankle can also cause Tendonitis.
What Is a Treatment For Tendonitis?
The quickest treatment you can undergo to treat foot and ankle tendonitis is to let your body rest. Resting will allow the injury to regain strength and heal. The timeline can be for months in some cases.
Your doctor would be the best person to provide you any physical assistance if required, but it is probable your doctor might recommend you to use a walking boot. This will allow you to immobilize your foot and ankle. It means that you do not use your foot and ankle to walk, so there is no weight bearing on the affected foot, and it can heal.
The doctor will most probably recommend some types of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. You can also perform a home treatment. It will speed up the healing process, but this has to be done as per your doctor’s instructions. You can use icepacks, alternating heat and cold, and stretching exercises.
Chances are your doctor might refer you to a physiotherapist who will teach you different stretching and strengthening exercises based on your condition. It will help reduce the pain and stress on the affected tendon.
If you, too, are experiencing any pain in the foot or ankle and suspect that may be a signal of Tendonitis, you need to give your body some rest. If the pain continues, book an appointment with one of our experienced doctors at Rheumatology Care Of North Houston. You can call us at 832.532.9779.