What is Tendinitis?
Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon. Tendons are thick cords of tissue that connect muscles to bone.
Achilles tendinitis, or an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, is one of the most common causes of foot or ankle pain. Other types of foot/ankle tendinitis include posterior tibial tendinitis and peroneal tendinitis.
Causes
Tendinitis can result from an injury or over-use. Improper stretching prior to exertion or incorrect form during physical activity can also contribute to the development of tendinitis. Some people, including those with “flat feet,” tight tendons or arthritis, are particularly prone to tendinitis.
Symptoms
Pain is the most prominent symptom of tendinitis. The pain will be most noticeable when you try to move that part of your body. The involved tendon may swell.
Home Care
Rest and ice can ease the pain of tendinitis. Stay off your foot or ankle as much as possible and apply ice for up to 15 minutes at a time, three to four times a day.
When to Visit a Podiatrist
If the pain doesn't go away with ice and rest, or if the pain persists beyond a week, it's time to see a podiatrist. Don't wait! Tendinitis can become a chronic problem, and it's a lot harder to treat chronic problems than acute injuries.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your podiatrist will ask you some questions about your pain and general health and perform a complete physical examination of your feet and ankles. X-rays or an MRI might be ordered to rule out any other problems, such as a fracture or torn tendon.
Treatment will focus on relieving the pain and preventing further injury. Your podiatrist may create shoe inserts or a soft cast to effectively immobilize the affected area for a period of time. (Often, a couple of weeks are needed for the tendon to heal.) Medication can help too. Your podiatrist may recommend or prescribe oral medication.
Prevention
Your podiatrist will work with you to decrease your chances of re-developing tendinitis. He or she may create custom orthotics to help control the motion of your feet. He or she may also recommend certain stretches or exercises to increase the tendon's elasticity and strengthen the muscles attached to the tendon.
Gradually increasing your activity level with an appropriate training schedule—building up to a 5K run, for instance, instead of simply tackling the whole course the first day—can also help prevent tendinitis.
Related Resources
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FAQs
It's a fairly common overuse injury in athletes, but it can also affect older individuals with conditions like flat feet or arthritis. For most people, it's an injury that heals on its own with a combination of conservative treatments such as rest, ice, stretching or physical therapy.
What triggers tendonitis? ›
Tendinitis can occur as a result of injury or overuse. Playing sports is a common cause. Tendinitis also can occur with aging as the tendon loses elasticity. Body-wide (systemic) diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, can also lead to tendinitis.
Does tendonitis ever fully heal? ›
Will Tendonitis Heal on Its Own? People suffering from tendonitis must realize that this condition will not heal on its own. Treatment requires intentional rest and non-use of the tendon. The good news is that the tendon will heal naturally, meaning invasive procedures are unnecessary.
What kind of doctor should you see for tendinitis? ›
To get the best and most efficient treatment possible for your joint pain, see an experienced orthopedic doctor. Our orthopedic surgeons here at the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine regularly treat tendon injuries, so athletes and non-athletes alike can get back to enjoying an active lifestyle again.
How does tendonitis affect daily life? ›
The pain from tendinopathy can interfere with your daily life. For example, it can keep you from playing sports and from doing housework. So, if you have pain or swelling, make sure to contact your healthcare provider for help. Tendinopathy includes both tendinitis (tendonitis) and tendinosis.
What vitamin deficiency causes tendonitis? ›
Epidemiological studies link vitamin D deficiency with tendon disorders, including tendinopathy and impaired healing. Supplementation with vitamin D shows promise in improving tendon strength and function, particularly in at-risk populations such as athletes and the elderly.
What is the fastest way to get rid of tendonitis? ›
Rest: try to avoid moving the tendon for 2 to 3 days. Ice: put an ice pack (or try a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel on the tendon for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. Support: wrap an elastic bandage around the area, use a tube bandage, or use a soft brace. You can buy these from pharmacies.
Should I massage tendonitis? ›
Yes! Massage can be beneficial for tendonitis in helping reduce muscle tension and increase blood flow to the affected area, aiding in the healing process. However, it should be part of a broader treatment plan, rather than be relied on as a standalone treatment.
Can tendonitis be a symptom of something else? ›
They may be caused by strain, overuse, injury, or too much exercise. Tendonitis may also be related to a disease such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or infection.
Who is prone to tendonitis? ›
Risk factors for developing tendinitis include age, having jobs that involve doing the same motion over and over, doing physical activities with poor form, and taking certain medicines.
Aspirin, naproxen sodium (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may relieve tendinitis pain. Some of these drugs can cause stomach upset, or kidney or liver problems. Creams containing pain relievers can be applied to the skin.
What should you not do with tendonitis? ›
It can take a few months if you have a severe case of tendonitis. The best way to speed up your healing time is to rest. Don't participate in strenuous exercises or activities that can put stress on your healing tendon.
What can be misdiagnosed as tendonitis? ›
Tendinosis can often be misdiagnosed as tendinitis. Some anti-inflammatory treatments for tendonitis – such as corticosteroid injections – can exacerbate tendinosis symptoms and accelerate the rate of the tendon's deterioration.
What organ does tendonitis affect? ›
Tendonitis can occur at almost any site of the body where a tendon connects a bone to a muscle. Common areas for the condition include the shoulder (especially in the rotator cuff), elbow, wrist, knee and ankle.
What's the worst that can happen with tendonitis? ›
When you leave your tendonitis untreated, the affected tendon can weaken and become more prone to tears and possible rupture. A ruptured tendon requires surgical repair and can cause permanent disability in severe cases. Repeated bouts of tendonitis can result in a buildup of scar tissue in the affected area.
What foods get rid of tendonitis? ›
Eating the right foods such as, adding more brightly, colored vegetables to your diet, provide your body with vitamins and minerals to also help reduce tendonitis. Salmon, flaxseeds and certain kinds of nuts have Omega-3 fatty acids, which carry strong anti-inflammatory ingredients.
What aggravates tendonitis? ›
Most people develop tendinitis because their jobs or hobbies involve motions that they repeat, over and over. This puts stress on tendons. Moving correctly is especially important when having to repeat movements for sports or a job. Moving incorrectly can overload the tendon and lead to tendinitis.
What should you avoid if you have tendonitis? ›
Foods that can increase inflammation in your system include:
- Refined carbohydrates, such as pastries and white bread.
- Fried foods, such as French fries.
- Sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soda.
- Red meat, such as steaks and burgers.
- Processed meat, such as sausage and hot dogs.
- Shortening, lard, and margarine.
In fact, a reactive tendon may come and go but then “flare up” after you try to resume previous level of activities. Ultimately this shows that the activity exceeds the capacity of the tendon and the overload of that activity will set the symptoms off again.
