Foot tendonitis

We is foot tendonitis?

Foot tendonitis, also known as tendinitis, refers to inflammation or irritation of the tendons in the foot. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones, allowing for movement and providing stability to the foot and ankle.

How to know I have foor tendonitis? 

If you suspect you might have foot tendonitis, watch out for these signs and symptoms:

1. Pain: Experience pain or discomfort in the affected area of the foot. This pain may be dull or sharp and can range from mild to severe. It's often aggravated by movement or activity.
2. Tenderness: The area around the affected tendon might be tender to the touch or feel sore when pressure is applied.
3. Swelling: Notice swelling or inflammation around the tendon, which may cause visible or palpable swelling in the affected area.
4. Stiffness: Experience stiffness or limited range of motion in the foot or ankle, especially after periods of rest or inactivity.
5. Difficulty Moving or Bearing Weight: Experience difficulty moving the foot or bearing weight on the affected side due to pain or discomfort.
6. Changes in Gait or Walking Pattern: You might notice changes in the way you walk or move to avoid putting pressure on the affected foot or tendon.

What causes foot tendonitis?

Foot tendonitis can develop due to various factors contributing to irritation or inflammation of the tendons in the foot. Common causes include:

1. Overuse or Repetitive Stress: Activities that involve repetitive movements or excessive stress on the foot tendons, such as running, jumping, dancing, or sports, can lead to tendon irritation and inflammation.
2. Foot Biomechanics: Abnormal foot mechanics, including high arches, flat feet, or excessive pronation (rolling inward of the foot), can place increased stress on specific tendons, making them more susceptible to injury.
3. Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes that lack proper support, cushioning, or stability can contribute to foot tendonitis by placing undue stress on the tendons.
4. Sudden Increases in Activity: Abruptly increasing the intensity, duration, or frequency of physical activities without proper conditioning or gradual progression can strain the foot tendons.
5. Age-Related Changes: Tendons can become less flexible and more prone to injury with age, making older individuals more susceptible to tendonitis.
6. Poor Training Techniques: Incorrect techniques or inadequate warm-up and cool-down routines during exercise or physical activity can contribute to tendon stress and injury.
7. Previous Foot Injuries: Past foot injuries or trauma can predispose certain tendons to become irritated or inflamed, leading to tendonitis.
8. Occupational Factors: Jobs or activities that involve prolonged standing, walking on hard surfaces, or repetitive foot movements can contribute to foot tendonitis.

How foot tendonitis can be treated?

Treatment for foot tendonitis typically involves several approaches aimed at reducing pain, inflammation, and promoting tendon healing. Here are common methods used in managing foot tendonitis:

1. Rest and Activity Modification: Limiting or avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms and allowing adequate rest for the affected foot.
2. Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area for about 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
3. Compression and Elevation: Using compression bandages or elevating the foot to reduce swelling and improve circulation.
4. Orthotic Devices: Using supportive footwear, orthotic inserts, or braces to provide proper arch support and reduce stress on the affected tendon.
5. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Performing specific exercises recommended by a healthcare professional or physical therapist to improve flexibility and strength in the foot and ankle.
6. Anti-inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen may help reduce pain and inflammation.
7. Physical Therapy: Undergoing targeted physical therapy sessions to improve foot mechanics, strengthen muscles, and promote healing.
8. Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, injections of corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
9. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): This non-invasive treatment uses shock waves to stimulate healing in the affected area and may be recommended in certain cases.
10. Surgery: In severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be considered to repair or remove damaged tendon tissue.

The specific treatment plan for foot tendonitis depends on the severity of symptoms, the affected tendon, and individual factors. Seeking guidance from a healthcare professional, such as our podiatrist, is crucial for proper diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations. Early intervention and adherence to a comprehensive treatment plan are essential for effectively managing foot tendonitis and facilitating recovery.