Tendonitis

What is tendonitis?

Your tendons play a very important role in attaching your muscles to your bone, so when they become irritated, it can limit your ability to move freely and without pain. And that’s exactly what happens with tendonitis. Whether through repeated use and stresses, or simple wear and tear, your tendons can develop tiny little tears or stresses that cause inflammation and pain.

This also means that your tendons are weakened and prone to partial or full ruptures, which is why prompt treatment of tendonitis at Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center is a good idea.

Where can tendonitis strike?

Tendonitis can strike any tendon in your ankles or feet, but the most common problems arise in your:

• Achilles tendons
• Posterior tibial tendons (on the inside of your ankles and feet)
• Peroneal tendons (on the outside of your ankles)
• Flexor tendons (on the inside of your ankles and under your feet to your toes)
• Extensor tendons (tops of your feet)

If you’re feeling pain in any of these areas, especially after activity, you may be dealing with tendonitis and early intervention can make all the difference in this progressive condition, which doesn’t usually go away on its own.

What is an Achilles tendon rupture?

If your Achilles tendon has developed tendonitis, it’s more prone to rupture, which means it tears either partially or fully. A rupture can happen anytime, from a sudden twist on the playing field to missing a step on the stairs.  If you start to have pain in your Achilles tendon, there are conservative treatments that can help you to heal it before it ruptures. If it does rupture surgery is required and our Surgeons at Ahwatukee foot and ankle have got you covered.

How is tendonitis or a rupture treated?

When you come into Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center, your doctor starts by reviewing your symptoms. After performing a physical examination, your doctor orders advanced imaging, such as an ultrasound or X-ray, to get a closer look at the problem.

With a tendonitis diagnosis in hand, they recommend the following treatments, which largely depend upon the severity of your problem:

• Rest
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Regenerative injections
• Steroid injections
• CAM boot immobilization

If they find that your Achilles tendon is ruptured, they may put you in a cast or walking boot to allow time for your tendon to fully heal. With complete tears, they may also recommend a surgical solution to reattach your tendon.

If tendonitis is limiting your life, call Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center or schedule an appointment using the easy online booking tool.