Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon. Tendon is a strong, but flexible tissue that connects muscles to bone. Tendons assist in moving our limbs.
There are many tendons in the leg and foot that can cause leg, ankle, and foot pain. Tendinitis can occur from wearing improper footwear such as flexible shoes, shoes without any support, and shoes that are worn and old. Injury, overuse, and improper stretching prior to exercise or playing a sport can contribute to the formation of tendinitis. Also, an abnormal gait, muscle skeletal abnormalities, and foot deformities can also contribute to the development of tendinitis.
Pain is the most prevalent symptom of tendinitis. The pain occurs when standing, walking, bending, pulling, and pushing with the leg or foot. The involved area of pain may swell and be warm. The pain can mimic a strain, strain, or fracture.
One of the most common tendons that are susceptible to tendinitis and pain is the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is in the back of the lower leg and attaches to the back of the heel bone of the feet. The Achilles tendon is the strongest and largest tendon in the body. The primary function of the Achilles tendon is to allow the lower leg and foot to be propulsive and allow actions such as walking, running, and jumping. Achilles tendon pathology can occur such as injury, tendonitis, partial tears, partial ruptures, complete rupture, tendinopathy, and bursitis.
Treatments for leg and foot tendinitis first performing a subjective and objective examination, creating a diagnosis, and ordering radiographs and an MRI if warranted to rule out bony pathology such as stress fracture, fracture, or tear in the tendon.
Treatments include ice and heat therapy, over-the-counter pain reliever medications, oral anti-inflammatory or steroid medication, accommodative arch supports, custom orthotics, immobilization with a CAM walking boot for a period, and outpatient physical therapy. It will take time for tendinitis to resolve.
Once the tendinitis has resolved, it is important to help prevent recurring tendinitis and pain by performing regular stretching of the muscles and tendons to increase the tendons elasticity and strengthen the muscles attached to the tendon. If playing sports of any kind, it is very important to stretch muscles and tendons prior to the sporting activity and after the sporting activity.
Please call the office for an appointment to see Dr. Novabilski for evaluation and treatment if you believe you have symptoms of tendinitis.
For evaluation, confirming diagnosis, and treatment options, make an appointment with Dr. Novabilski