Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois
Podiatrists located in Springfield, Decatur, Carlinville and Shelbyville, Illinois
You rely on the tendons in your feet and ankles to keep you mobile and stabilized. That’s why even a small tendon problem can be debilitating. Alternative treatments including laser therapy, amniotic membrane injections, bracing, and orthotics may be offered as options for tendonitis.
Tendonitis Q & A
What is tendonitis?
Tendonitis is a condition that affects your tendons, or the tough bands of tissue that connect your muscles to your bones. Throughout your body, your tendons connect to your bones to give you stability as your muscles move.
Excessive strain on your tendons can result in inflammation. And this inflammation is called tendonitis.
How does tendonitis affect the feet and ankles?
The three most common types of tendonitis in the feet and ankles are:
Achilles tendonitis
Your Achilles tendon, one of the strongest tendons in your body, connects your heel to your calf muscle. Achilles tendonitis usually feels like pain above your heel or in your lower calf. It may also make the upper part of your heel feel stiff.
Peroneal tendonitis
You have two peroneal tendons in each foot. One runs along the outside edge of your ankle and attaches to the outside edge of your midfoot. The other runs up and down the inside edge of your ankle and attaches near your arch. Together, these tendons work to stabilize your ankle.
Overuse of these tendons or an acute injury can lead to peroneal tendonitis, leaving you with pain and swelling along the outside or inside edge of your ankle or foot.
Posterior tibial tendonitis
This tendon connects your calf muscle to the inside of your foot, supporting your foot’s arch. Problems with this tendon can result in flatfoot, which can be painful when walking and cause your ankle to roll inward. Over time, problems with this tendon can develop into arthritis in your foot.
Whichever type of tendonitis is affecting you, the experts at Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois are available to personalize a treatment program for you.
How is tendonitis treated?
It depends on which tendon is inflamed and the severity of the inflammation. When tendonitis is caught early, it can often be treated with rest and ice therapy. The Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois team may also fit your shoes with orthotics to relieve the tendon of stress.
As it progresses, tendonitis may require medication or a brace or cast to immobilize the foot, giving the tendon an opportunity to heal. In more severe cases of tendonitis, surgery may be required to resolve the inflammation.
Your Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois provider tailors your treatment to you, helping you get the fastest pain relief and healing possible.
If you're interested in receiving treatment for your tendonitis,
Call Foot and Ankle Center of Illinois at (217) 787-2700 today!
We serve the following locations: Springfield, Decatur, Carlinville and Shelbyville, IL