The ankle is one of the most delicate parts of the foot and also the most susceptible part of the foot for injuries. When there is an inflammation or irritation of the tendons, often caused by stress on the ankle, it can result in severe pain on the foot. Here is a look at ankle tendonitis and its causes and treatments.
Understanding What Ankle Tendonitis Is
Ankle tendonitis is a common source of pain in the foot. Tendons are the connective tissue that attaches the muscles to bone. If the tendon of the ankle has too much stress, tiny tears and damage start to appear.
It starts off as swelling, stiffness, and a painful sensation. Without proper treatment and diagnosis, it takes about two to three months to recover. Tendonitis can affect any tendon on the foot and if the area is repeatedly strained, the resulting inflammation is known as tendonitis.
Ankle Design and Function
The ankle joint helps the foot move in two directions — away and towards the body. It is a joint that has three bones connected to each other. The shinbone and a bone from the leg join another bone from the foot to form the ankle. Strong bony knobs on either side of the ankle allow for standing and walking. The ankle joint is surrounded by tendons and ligaments that provide support and stability.
Causes of Ankle Tendonitis
There are several reasons for the ankle tendonitis. Some of them are:
- Medical conditions
- Injury
- Overuse
- Abnormal foot structure
Ankle sprains are also among the causes of ankle tendonitis. It happens when there is a preexisting weakness in the ankle joint. Medical conditions such as arthritis and overuse of the ankle also result in this condition. Serious injury and birth defects put more stress on the ankles leading to pain and inflammation.
Symptoms of Ankle Tendonitis
The symptoms of tendonitis are varied and gradually reduce over time. Typically the pain around the ankle will be followed by swelling. Tenderness and pain around the affected region increase over time if not treated.
Pain will be elevated in the mornings and upon doing any physical activity. Some people will also experience pain when they walk, run, or turn their feet inward. As the movement of the ankle and tendons become more and more limited, the ankle will become stiffer, making it harder to function properly. In some cases, a lump is noticed at the base of the ankle making it uncomfortable to wear shoes.
Treatment Options for Ankle Tendonitis
There are several treatments available for ankle tendonitis. If the pain persists, it is best to consult a doctor. In some cases, physical therapy helps to relieve the pain. If left unchecked, it can lead to further serious irreparable damage to the ankle.
Applying an ice pack to the tender ankle joint helps in reducing inflammation and to numb the pain. Wearing a bandage and keeping the injured ankle elevated also help the condition. In extreme cases, surgery may be suggested to give a more permanent solution to the problem.
Contact Our Office
Ankle Tendonitis can be incredibly uncomfortable and progress in severity if it is not treated properly. If you feel as if you’re suffering from this issue and would like a proper diagnosis for treatment, contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kevin James today
