What is tendonitis?
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.
What are the symptoms of tendonitis?
The symptoms of tendonitis usually occur near the area where your tendon attaches to a bone. Telltale signs of tendonitis include:
- Pain
- A dull ache
- Tenderness
- Mild swelling
As tendonitis gets worse, you might also experience mobility issues or have trouble placing weight on the affected foot or ankle.
What causes tendonitis?
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.
Are there different types of tendonitis?
There are several types of tendonitis. At Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa, the team regularly diagnoses and treats:
- Achilles tendonitis
- Posterior tibial tendonitis
- Jumper’s knee
- Tendinosis
After determining the type of tendonitis you’re suffering from, your Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa provider develops a custom treatment plan.
How is tendonitis diagnosed?
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.
How is tendonitis treated?
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:
- Ice
- Rest
- Corticosteroid injections
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
- Physical therapy
- Shoe modifications and inserts
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.
