Tendonitis in the foot and ankle can cause persistent pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty with everyday activities. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones and help the foot and ankle move properly. When a tendon becomes irritated or overloaded, it can become painful and affect the way you walk, exercise, or perform daily activities.
At Vargas Foot Specialists in Sugar Land, Texas, Dr. Marco A. Vargas evaluates and treats a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including tendon injuries and overuse problems.
Tendonitis can develop when a tendon is repeatedly exposed to more stress than it can handle. It may happen gradually or after a sudden increase in physical activity.
Common causes and risk factors include:
Tendonitis isn’t limited to athletes. Anyone who places repetitive stress on the feet and ankles can develop tendon problems.
Several different tendons can become irritated or injured. Achilles tendonitis affects the large tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel and commonly causes pain in the back of the ankle.
Posterior tibial tendonitis affects a tendon along the inside of the ankle and can be associated with pain, swelling, or changes in foot support.
Peroneal tendonitis affects tendons along the outside of the ankle and may cause pain and tenderness, particularly with walking or physical activity.
Because different tendon conditions can cause similar symptoms, an evaluation can help determine which structure is involved.
Treatment depends on the tendon involved, the severity of the condition, and what is contributing to the problem.
A podiatrist may recommend activity modification, stretching and strengthening exercises, supportive footwear, custom orthotics, bracing, or physical therapy. Addressing underlying foot mechanics can also be an important part of treatment for some patients.
At Vargas Foot Specialists, advanced treatments such as MLS® Laser Therapy and EPAT® Shockwave Therapy may be considered for appropriate patients as part of a personalized treatment plan. These therapies may help manage pain and support recovery in certain soft-tissue conditions.
If tendon pain continues despite rest or repeatedly returns when you resume normal activities, it is worth having the problem evaluated.
You should also seek medical attention if you experience significant swelling, weakness, difficulty walking, or sudden severe pain following an injury.
Early evaluation can help identify the source of the pain and determine whether conservative care, advanced treatment, or additional evaluation is appropriate.
Foot and ankle tendonitis can interfere with walking, exercise, work, and everyday life. Getting an accurate diagnosis is an important first step toward choosing the right treatment.
Vargas Foot Specialists provides comprehensive foot and ankle care for patients in Sugar Land and the greater Houston area, including Katy, Richmond, Missouri City, and Rosenberg.
If you are experiencing persistent tendon pain in your foot or ankle, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Vargas to determine the cause of your symptoms and discuss your treatment options.
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