Tendon Disorders

Tendonitis is an overuse injury that may affect the foot or ankle, causing pain and swelling. Benjamin Clair, DPM, is a foot and ankle specialist at Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center in McKinney, Texas, who provides specialty care for tendinitis, utilizing the latest in treatment options to heal the injury and restore function. Call today or schedule an appointment online for expert tendinitis care. 

What should I know about tendonitis?

Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon, the strong band of tissue that connects muscle to bone. 

The inflammation most often occurs from overuse, causing damage to the tendon. But you can also get tendinitis following an acute injury that overstretches the tendon.

You can develop tendonitis in any tendon, including those in your feet and ankles. 

I have ankle pain when I work out. Could I have tendonitis?

Ankle pain that worsens with physical activity is one of the symptoms you may have with tendonitis. The type and location of your symptoms depend on the affected tendon. 

Types of foot and ankle tendinitis include:

Achilles tendonitis

If your pain affects the ankle, you may have Achilles tendonitis. The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscle to the heel. 

Extensor tendinitis

Extensor tendonitis causes pain on the top of the foot due to inflammation or irritation of the extensor tendons, which help raise your toes. 

Peroneal tendonitis

Peroneal tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon that connects your leg muscles to your foot. These tendons are found on the outer part of your foot.

Posterior tibial tendonitis

Posterior tibial tendonitis affects the tendons that attach the calf muscle to the bones on the inner part of your foot. 

When should I see a foot and ankle specialist for tendonitis?

You should schedule an appointment with Dr. Clair at Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center if you have ongoing foot or ankle pain that’s affecting your ability to go about your daily routine. 

Dr. Clair asks detailed questions about your symptoms and when they occur. He also asks about your daily activities and exercise habits and then examines your feet and ankles. Dr. Clair may order an X-ray to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

What are some treatments for tendonitis?

Dr. Clair takes a patient-centered approach to care, creating plans that give you the best outcomes. He customizes your tendinitis treatment plan based on the location of your injury, severity of symptoms, and usual level of activity. 

Treatment for tendinitis may include:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Physical therapy
• Splinting or taping
• Orthotics
• Change in shoewear
• Steroid injections
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections

If you continue to have symptoms after six months of medical care, Dr. Clair may suggest surgery to repair or replace the damaged tendon.

Call Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center today or book an appointment online to get help for your foot or ankle pain.