Tendinitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and irritation of soft tissue around muscles, bones, and tendons that are found in the knee and ankle region. Although tendonitis can affect other body regions such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hip, the tendons found in the most distal part of our body seems to be at most risk of inflammation due to its high exposure to trauma on a daily basis.
What is a tendon?
In essence, a tendon is a high flexible band of fibrous tissue that serves the function of connecting bones to muscles. Therefore, tendon s are responsible for facilitating pull during movement or physical activities. One of the largest tendons in the body is that of the Achilles tendon of the heels.
There are different types of tendinitis that plague the feet:
– Achilles tendinitis
– Foot/ ankle tendinitis
– Posterior tibial tendinitis
– Peroneal tendinitis
What cause tendinitis?
Tendinitis is caused by improper use and injury of the foot. Improper stretching or the lack of it prior to rigorous physical exertion can result in tendonitis. In addition improper posture while performing physical activities increases the risk of developing tendinitis too.
Other predisposing factors to tendinitis are:
– People suffering from flat feet
– Tight tendons
– Arthritis
Signs and Symptoms
One of the most common manifestations of tendinitis is pain. Instead of the normal, fleeting pain that you feel after a good run
or workout, the pain associated with tendinitis is that which is chronic and extremely painful. As a result of inflammation, the affected tendon may swell up leading to redness and warmth in the affected region. When left untreated, tendinitis can lead to tendon tears which can be more problematic to treat and costly as well. For those who have ignored the pain from tendinitis, they may suffer from tendon rupture instead, a condition which can
only be properly managed by surgery.
Treatment Options for Tendinitis
Mild cases of tendinitis can be treated easily with rest and compression of ice onto the affected area. Avoid using the affected foot or ankle for a few days in order for it to heal properly and restore its function after seven days.
For serious cases of tendinitis where pain is persistent after seven days, you are advised to check in with a podiatrist for further evaluation and treatment. Although tendinitis do not cause infection or complications, it does put its victims at high risk for injuries.
The application of cast is common among those diagnosed with serious case of tendinitis. Pain relief is yet another pain management intervention to alleviate the pain while recovering from such a condition.
Tendinitis can reoccur most especially among athletes and those whose jobs involve manual labor. Custom orthotics are prescribed in these situations. Custom-made orthotics will help in controlling the motion of the feet while walking, thus reducing the risk of injuries altogether. There are of course stretching exercises that patients need to perform daily to bring back the strength
and integrity of the affected tendon.
