Tendonitis (also spelt as tendinitis) is the inflammation, meniscal tears or irritation of the tendons (tissues connecting the muscles with the bones). Tendonitis in the foot (called Achilles Tendonitis) is usually caused by overuse of the feet – such as running, walking or standing for long hours – and is symptomized by a persistent ache or pain in the heels. It is one of the most common injuries caused while running and is quite common among athletes.
Achilles tendonitis can also be caused by ill-fitted shoes, ailments such as arthritis and certain kinds of spondylitis. If you are worried about heel pain or other foot injuries, please contact CuraFoot Clinic for an appointment.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis typically are as follows:
1. Persistent pain in the heel or ankle regions of the foot
2. Limited mobility or stiffness of the ankle joint
3. Tenderness or soreness in the heel and ankle
4. Blunt force trauma to the heel or ankle
5. Swelling in the ankle
In case you suffer from any of the above, you can consult a foot specialist. The doctor can diagnose the nature of the tendonitis (which tendon is affected) as well as the severity of the tendonitis. This will help with accurate treatment procedures and faster healing.
Treatment:
The best way to heal tendonitis is to provide rest to the area. It is essential to rest the affected tendons and joints and make progress with the healing. The period of rest is prescribed by the doctor in accordance with the severity of the condition.
In addition, the following, as recommended by the doctor, can help in faster healing:
1. Applying ice packs at a frequency till the soreness or inflammation reduces
2. Performing light exercises as recommended by a physiotherapist to relieve the foot of the stiffness and improve mobility without putting further stress to the affected area
3. Taking painkillers if recommended by the doctor to reduce pain and inflammation
4. Taking corticosteroid injections as prescribed by the doctor (however, the effects of the injection stay up to a few weeks – it is not a permanent solution to the condition).
Surgery is not usually recommended unless the tendonitis is not curable by any other means. It is important to follow through the complete healing process as recommended by the specialist, the lack of which can lead to further complications. It is important to not hurry through the healing process and to take adequate rest to heal the tendons completely before getting back to any rigorous activity.
