Tendonitis Specialist

What causes tendonitis?

Responsible for connecting muscles to bones, tendons can stretch and bounce right back and even absorb tremendous amounts of shock. 

The issue is that over time, your tendon can wear down, which is common when you get older. This leads to inflammation, known as tendonitis or tendinopathy.

Your tendonitis may also be associated with:

• Overuse or repetitive movement from sports
• Chronic health conditions, like diabetes
• Acute injuries, such as a slip and fall

Your risk of suffering from tendonitis further increases if you work in a field that requires you to be walking or standing for long periods. 

When it comes to your feet and ankles, it’s most common to suffer from Achilles tendonitis when the tendon that runs down the back of your lower leg becomes inflamed. 

It’s also common to struggle with posterior tibial tendonitis, which affects the tendon along the arch of your foot. But any of the tendons in your lower extremities can become inflamed, so it’s important to have an evaluation if you experience any pain or discomfort. 

When should I see a podiatrist for tendonitis?

You should come in to the office of Francine Rhinehart, DPM, for a tendonitis evaluation if you have any sort of discomfort in your foot, ankle, or lower leg that isn’t improving after a couple of days. It’s important to come in as soon as possible if you experience:

• Pain that worsens with movement or pressure
• Swelling, redness, or inflammation 
• Difficulty bearing weight on the limb

You should also book an appointment with Dr. Rhinehart if you experience sensations of crackling or grating as your tendon moves. These issues could indicate tears or ruptures. 

How does a podiatrist treat tendonitis?

Dr. Rhinehart provides personalized treatment for minor to complex cases of tendonitis. She generally begins with conservative treatments, which may include:

• Taping or padding
• Inserts for offloading
• Strengthening and stretching exercises 
• Oral anti-inflammatory medications
• Controlled ankle motion (CAM) boot
• Injectable or oral steroid medications

If conservative therapies aren’t enough, Dr. Rhinehart may recommend surgery to treat your tendon and to make repairs. Dr. Rhinehart partners with several foot and ankle surgeons for referrals if surgical care is the best solution for your injury.

Before your tendonitis affects you another day, contact the office of Francine Rhinehart, DPM, to get started on treatment. Book your appointment either online or over the phone.