Up to 70,000 Americans miss work each year because of tendinitis. At Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, in Marrero, Louisiana, board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons, Catherine Hudson, DPM, Denise Elliott, DPM, and the team specialize in diagnosing and treating tendinitis in the feet. Call Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, today to make a tendinitis appointment or book online.

request an appointment

What is foot tendinitis?

Tendinitis refers to inflammation of one or more of the tendons in your feet. Tendons are thick bands of tissue that connect your muscle to bone.

Often, foot tendinitis occurs because of general wear-and-tear, but it can also happen due to trauma.

What types of tendinitis affect the feet?

The Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, team diagnoses and treats several types of tendinitis, including:

Achilles tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis affects your Achilles tendon –– the band of tissue that connects your calf muscle to your heel. This type of tendinitis is most common in athletes, runners, and other active people.

Extensor tendinitis

This tendinitis affects the extensor tendon, a band of tissue that runs across the top of both feet.

Peroneal tendinitis

The peroneal tendons run along your outer ankle bones. They attach to your midfoot and arch, providing stability when you walk or run.

Posterior tibialis tendinitis

This type of inflammation affects the tendons that connect the bones in your feet to your calf muscles. Pain and swelling caused by posterior tibialis tendinitis tends to occur in the ball of the foot.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis causes inflammation of the plantar fascia –– a ligament that runs from your heel to your toes.

No matter your symptoms, the Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, team can provide relief.

How is tendinitis diagnosed?

Your Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a podiatry exam. They gently press your foot, heel, ankle, and calf, checking for sensitive areas. You’ll also perform several exercises to assess your muscle strength, range of motion, and the severity of your pain.

If your podiatrist thinks you have a fracture or a ruptured tendon, they may order diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or an ultrasound. Ultrasound can see how well your tendon moves and help determine the best treatment.

How is foot tendinitis treated?

Treatment of foot tendinitis depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. The Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, team usually recommends a conservative and minimally invasive approach, including:

  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Compression
  • Elevation
  • A soft cast or boot to immobilize your foot or heel
  • Physical therapy
  • Custom orthotics to relieve pain
  • Calf stretches or strengthening exercises

If your tendinitis continues even after six months of conservative treatments, you may benefit from surgery. The Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, team offers several types of minimally invasive surgery for tendinitis.

Call Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, today to learn more about the treatments for foot tendinitis, or make your appointment online.