Tendons are tough, but flexible bands of fibrous tissue that attach muscles to bone. Tendonitis is a very common cause of foot or ankle pain—it usually occurs due to inflammation around a tendon. This condition is most often the result of an overuse injury, but improper stretching prior to, or incorrect form, during physical activity can also contribute to tendonitis in Greater Washington and Bethesda, MD areas.
Symptoms of Tendonitis in Greater Washington
Tendon injuries can be acute, meaning they occur suddenly, or they can be chronic and develop over a period of time. Pain associated with tendonitis is typically dull and aching, but as the condition worsens, you may experience sharp, burning, or radiating pain around the foot or ankle. Other symptoms of tendonitis include:
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Weakness
- Tenderness
Are you experiencing symptoms of tendonitis in Bethesda, MD? Contact Dr. Duggirala and Dr. Deroy at Bethesda Foot and Ankle Center.
Types of Tendonitis in Bethesda, MD
The most common forms of tendonitis affecting the foot and ankle include:
- Achilles tendonitis: The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the foot, and it attaches the calf muscles to the back of the heel. Achilles tendonitis occurs when this tendon becomes inflamed.
- Posterior tibial tendonitis: This condition occurs when the posterior tibial tendon, which attaches the calf muscle to the bones on the inside of the foot, becomes inflamed or ruptured.
- Peroneal tendonitis: The peroneal tendons run down the outside of the ankle just behind the fibula and can become strained and inflamed due to overuse.
- Flexor tendonitis: The flexor tendon is responsible for stabilizing the toes. Pain may be felt in the arch of the foot or on the inside back of the ankle.
By understanding the different types of tendonitis, Bethesda Foot and Ankle Center’s podiatrists, Dr. Duggirala and Dr. Deroy, can properly treat your condition.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Tendonitis in Greater Washington
Because tendon injuries typically worsen without proper treatment, immediate medical care is usually recommended. To diagnose your condition, Dr. Duggirala or Dr. Deroy, our Bethesda, MD foot doctors, will perform a physical examination and gather your medical history. During the physical examination, Dr. Duggirala or Dr. Deroy will look for instability, swelling, and weakness.
The goal of medical tendonitis treatment in Greater Washington is to alleviate pain, and inflammation. The treatment method Dr. Duggirala or Dr. Deroy recommends will depend on the severity of the condition. For mild tendonitis, Dr. Duggirala or Dr. Deroy, our foot doctors in Bethesda, MD, will most likely start with conservative treatments. These might include new shoe recommendations, arch supports or orthotics and prescription braces. For more serious cases of tendonitis, Dr. Duggirala or Dr. Deroy may offer anti-inflammatory or cortisone injections to reduce any immediate pain. When the condition does not respond to noninvasive treatments, minimally invasive surgical procedures may be required.
Contact us at Bethesda Foot and Ankle Center to learn more about tendonitis and what your treatment options are.
