Tendonitis Specialists

What is tendonitis?

Tendonitis is inflammation and irritation of a tendon, the connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone. Tiny tears called micro-injuries occur in the tendon fibers that trigger the inflammation. As the number of micro-injuries increases, your symptoms get worse.

You’re likely to experience pain in the affected tendon and the surrounding area. The pain may build up gradually or occur suddenly. It could be severe, especially if there are calcium deposits in the tissue.

Tendonitis is most often due to repetitive strain or repeated minor impact, but it can also occur after an acute injury. Your risk of getting tendonitis is higher if you play sports, especially if you don’t stretch or condition properly before exercise. Poor posture also increases your risk.

What kinds of tendonitis affect the feet and ankles?

Three main types of tendonitis could affect your foot or ankle:

Peroneal tendonitis

You have two peroneal tendons behind your outer ankle bone. One attaches to the outer part of your midfoot, and the other runs under your foot and attaches close to the inside of your arch. Peroneal tendons stabilize your foot and ankle and protect against sprains. Overuse or repeated sprains can cause tendonitis and lead to chronic ankle instability.

Achilles tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is the thick tissue you can see at the back of your ankle. It connects the calf muscle in your lower leg to your heel bone, enabling you to raise your heel so you can walk and run. Achilles tendonitis is a common problem for athletes at all levels.  

Posterior tibial tendonitis

The posterior tibial tendon also goes down the back of your leg, close to your Achilles tendon. It passes under the inner side of your ankle by the bony lump (medial malleolus) and attaches to the bone next to your arch. Posterior tibial tendonitis often develops after ankle sprains.

How is tendonitis treated?

Treating tendonitis in your foot or ankle usually begins with conservative measures. Your podiatrist at Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists might recommend:

• Keeping your weight off the tendon
• Immobilization with a cast or splint
• Applying an ice pack at regular intervals
• Using an elastic compression wrap
• Bracing
• Physical therapy
• Prescribed exercises
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Custom orthotics (individually designed shoe inserts)
• Cold laser therapy

Most cases of tendonitis heal well using treatments like these. However, in more severe cases, you might require surgery. The Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists team uses minimally invasive techniques where possible or open surgery when required to repair or replace a damaged tendon.

If you have symptoms of tendonitis in your foot or ankle, call Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists today, or book an appointment online.