As you get older, your tendons lose their elasticity, increasing your risk of tendinitis. Left unmanaged, tendinitis can negatively affect your mobility and keep you from activities you love. At Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa in Ankeny, Iowa, expert podiatrists Paul Dayton, DPM, MS, and Mindi Dayton, DPM, MHA offer a wide range of safe and effective treatments to manage tendinitis. To request your appointment at Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa today, call the office or click the online scheduling tool.
Tendonitis is a blanket term used to describe the inflammation or irritation of one or more tendons. Tendons are strong, fibrous cords that attach your muscles to your bones.
tendonitis can occur in any of the tendons throughout your body, but it’s especially common in the knees, heels, elbows, shoulders, and wrists.
If you regularly experience swelling, pain, or general irritation in your feet, heels, or ankles, make an appointment with the caring podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa today.
The symptoms of tendonitis usually occur near the area where your tendon attaches to a bone. Telltale signs of tendonitis include:
As tendonitis gets worse, you might also experience mobility issues or have trouble placing weight on the affected foot or ankle.
Sometimes, tendonitis occurs as a result of a sudden sports-related injury or automobile accident. Other times, it’s caused by wear-and-tear or repetition of a particular movement.
If your job or hobby involves repetitive motions that put stress on your tendons –– such as sewing or swinging a tennis racket –– you’re also at risk. Improper form might also overload a tendon and result in pain and swelling.
There are several types of tendonitis. At Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa, the team regularly diagnoses and treats:
After determining the type of tendonitis you’re suffering from, your Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa provider develops a custom treatment plan.
To diagnose tendonitis, your Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa provider conducts a physical exam and asks you questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing. If necessary, they might also order a series of X-rays or laboratory tests to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.
Treatment for tendonitis works to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Depending on your symptoms and the type of tendonitis you have, your provider might recommend:
If your pain persists or gets worse, surgical intervention might be necessary. For example, if you suffer a tendon rupture or your tendon pulls away from the bone, your provider might recommend a surgical repair.
To request your tendonitis appointment at Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa today, call the office or click the online scheduling tool.