Tiny cords of tissue known as tendons help connect muscle to bone in your feet. Occasionally, these tendons become irritated and inflamed, which results in sudden pain and discomfort. When this happens, you experience a condition known as tendonitis.
Tendonitis of the feet can be so painful that you experience difficulty walking or engaging in favorite activities. A podiatrist can provide you with treatment recommendations that help you find relief from painful tendonitis.
Common Symptoms of Tendonitis of the Feet
Pain is the most common symptom of tendonitis. The severity of the pain can vary from a mild ache to a severe and sudden pain. If you have tendonitis, you typically experience pain when moving the foot or shortly after engaging in activities that involve repetitive movements of the foot or ankle.
Other common symptoms of tendonitis of the feet include:
- General soreness around the foot and ankle area
- Ankle and foot are tender to the touch
- Redness and swelling
- Joint pain
Specific Examples of Tendonitis of the Feet
Tendonitis is just a general term used to describe inflammation and irritation to a tendon. The name of the specific type of tendonitis you suffer from will be determined by what tendons are inflamed and irritated.
Some specific examples of the most common types of tendonitis of the foot include:
- Achilles tendonitis – inflammation of the large tendon located along the back of the foot and heel
- Extensor tendonitis – tendon that runs along the top of your foot
- Peroneal tendonitis – tendon that is located along the outside of the foot and runs around the ankle joint
- Flexor tendonitis – tendon that is located on the back of the foot near the ankle
- Posterior tendonitis – tendon that is located along the inside of the foot
What Causes Tendonitis in the Feet?
Tendonitis occurs when something, such as an injury or repetitive movement, causes irritation to the tendons of the foot. Some examples of common causes of tendonitis of the feet include:
- Injuries and accidents that cause trauma to the foot or ankle
- Overuse of the foot or ankle
- Improper technique or use of the foot or ankle when engaging in an activity such as running, walking or other sports event
- Repeated stress from engaging in high-impact activities or sports
- Abnormal structure of the foot – flat feet or extremely high arches
- Certain medical conditions that cause inflammation such as arthritis and gout
- Wearing shoes that do not fit properly
Exploring Treatment Options for Tendonitis of the Feet
Treatment for tendonitis will vary depending upon what is causing your symptoms. For example, if you wear shoes that are too tight or too small, you may need to switch out your footwear for ones that fit properly.
It is important to properly identify the underlying cause of your tendonitis as this will help you find a treatment option that provides you with symptom relief. An experienced podiatrist can help you by not only diagnosing the cause of your tendonitis, but by providing personalized treatment recommendations.
Some examples of treatment options that may be available to you if you suffer from tendonitis of the feet include:
- Ice therapy
- Rest – stopping all activity to allow the tendon to heal from inflammation and irritation
- Use of anti-inflammatories or other pain relieving medication
- Compression
- Elevation
- Walking boot – helps to take pressure off the foot so the tendons have time to heal
- Physical therapy to strengthen the foot and increase range-of-motion
- Treatment of medical conditions that may be causing tendonitis
Relief from painful tendonitis is just a phone call away. Call our office today to schedule an appointment with our podiatrist.
