Tendonitis Specialist

What is tendonitis?

A tendon is a fibrous connective tissue that connects the bones and muscles in your feet and ankles. Tendonitis occurs when you experience irritation or inflammation of your tendons. It can result from a sudden injury or overuse. 

Repetitive movements can cause stress to your tendons, which eventually leads to tendonitis. Achilles tendonitis is a common overdue injury that affects the tendons in your calf and ankle. Without proper care, tendonitis can cause your tendons to tear, which usually requires surgery. 

What are the symptoms of tendonitis?

Tendonitis causes dull, aching pain and typically increases during periods of physical activity and can cause tenderness, stiffness, and swelling. 

If you experience severe or persistent pain, it’s important to speak with an experienced podiatrist. Symptoms of tendonitis can limit your mobility and interfere with your daily activities. 

Who gets tendonitis?

Although anyone can experience tendonitis, it typically affects people who engage in activities like running, basketball, and tennis. Your risk of tendonitis also increases as you age. Underlying problems like flat feet or obesity can increase the stress on your tendons and put you at a higher risk. 

You can reduce your risk of developing tendonitis by stretching before you exercise, wearing the appropriate footwear, and adding lower impact activities like biking or swimming to your exercise routine. 

How is tendonitis treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of your condition. Before recommending treatment, your podiatrist performs an in-depth evaluation. In addition to a physical exam, your doctor may perform imaging tests to rule out other conditions that could cause your symptoms. 

South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers offers several in-office diagnostics, including X-rays. Typically, your podiatrist can effectively treat your tendonitis using conservative, non-surgical methods. 

In some cases, your doctor may recommend at-home care like RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) along with over-the-counter pain medication to relieve your pain and inflammation. 

South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers also offers cutting-edge treatments like platelet-rich plasma and MLS laser therapy. In severe cases, you may need surgery to effectively address your symptoms. 

To determine which treatment is right for you, call one of the offices or schedule your appointment online today.