What is Tendonitis and How Can a Podiatrist Help?

Podiatrists are medical specialists who focus on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the feet, ankles, and related leg structures. When you experience pain or discomfort in these areas, they are the experts you should see for professional care. One condition they treat is tendonitis, which is inflammation or irritation of a tendon. Here’s some more information about tendonitis and how a podiatrist can assist you:

Contents

Repeated Motions Limited Mobility Weakened Tendons Customized Care From a Podiatrist Schedule a Visit With a Podiatrist

Repeated Motions

Tendonitis can develop from repetitive movements. Activities that place persistent stress on a particular tendon may lead to inflammation over time. For many people, this results from occupational duties, hobbies, or athletic pursuits that involve the same motions day after day.

Running, jumping, or standing for long periods on hard surfaces are activities that put ongoing strain on the tendons in the feet and ankles. This continuous stress can lead to micro-tears and inflammation within the tendon fibers, causing the pain associated with the condition. The pain might start as a mild ache and gradually worsen if the repetitive activity continues without intervention.

Limited Mobility

Pain and stiffness from tendonitis may result in limited mobility. The discomfort may be most noticeable during or after activity, and the affected area might feel stiff, especially in the morning. This inflammation makes it challenging to move the joint connected to the tendon.

Simple tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or standing on your toes become painful. This reduction in your range of motion can interfere with daily life and your ability to participate in activities. Ignoring these symptoms may cause the condition to worsen, potentially leading to more severe limitations.

Early intervention, such as rest and proper treatment, can help prevent the condition from worsening. Seeking advice from a healthcare professional enables you to receive the appropriate care and guidance to support recovery. They can also recommend targeted exercises or therapies to restore function and alleviate discomfort, helping you return to your routine.

Weakened Tendons

When tendonitis is not addressed, the ongoing inflammation may lead to the weakening of the tendon itself. Over time, the structure of the tendon may change, and in some cases, it could result in a rupture. A ruptured tendon is a serious injury that causes sudden, severe pain and a significant loss of function, often requiring more intensive medical intervention.

Customized Care From a Podiatrist

A podiatrist can evaluate your specific condition to determine a suitable course of action. After a thorough examination, which may include imaging tests to assess the tendon’s condition, a personalized treatment plan can be developed. The goal is to reduce pain and inflammation while supporting the healing process. Your podiatrist might recommend several approaches to manage your symptoms. These options are often combined to provide comprehensive care.

Anti-inflammatory Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be suggested to help decrease pain and swelling.
Physical Therapy: A guided program of specific exercises and stretches may help restore flexibility and strength to the affected tendon and surrounding muscles.
Injections: In some instances, injections are used to deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the site of irritation.

Schedule a Visit With a Podiatrist

Living with foot and ankle pain can be challenging every day. If you notice symptoms like constant pain, tenderness, or trouble moving your joint, it’s important to see a professional. A podiatrist can diagnose your condition accurately and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. Schedule an appointment for a proper evaluation.