When tendonitis has you down, treatment is a must, but how do you know what to look out for symptom-wise?
Fortunately, patients in Rockford, Elgin, and the surrounding areas can count on ankle and foot surgeon Dr. Biren Shah and his caring team at Midwest Foot & Ankle Associates for advanced treatment that addresses many conditions, including tendonitis affecting the feet and ankles. Dr. Shah is known for his abundant compassion, expertise in sports medicine, and patient-centered care.
Here’s more from our team about recognizing the signs and symptoms of tendonitis.
Tendons are strong, fibrous cords of tissue that attach muscle to bone. Tendonitis develops when tendons and the area surrounding them become inflamed. This occurs most often as a result of overuse and insufficient rest.
For instance, Achilles tendonitis (the most common type involving the foot and ankle) affects the tendon that attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone. Physical jobs that require prolonged standing and repetitive movements increase your risk of Achilles tendonitis. Runners are also at increased risk.
Other risk factors include walking or running on hard surfaces, wearing inappropriate shoes for the activity, and suddenly increasing exercise duration or intensity. Aging and certain medical conditions (i.e., flat feet, diabetes, or arthritis) also make you more vulnerable to developing tendonitis.
Unfortunately, tendons are notoriously slow to heal. Partly because when collagen in your tendons breaks down, the body struggles to replace it fast enough to rebuild and repair the damaged tissue.
Signs of tendonitis include:
If tendonitis worsens and transitions to degeneration (tendinosis), nodules may develop along the tendon.
We recommend scheduling a visit if you notice these symptoms since continuing to stress the tendon can cause further damage, sometimes a rupture that requires a surgical fix.
During your initial evaluation and exam, Dr. Shah discusses your symptoms at length, reviews your medical history, and may order imaging tests to ensure you don’t have a tear or fracture.
He then creates a personalized treatment plan that may include:
If conservative treatments aren’t successful, Dr. Shah may advise surgery. You’ll also receive guidance to prevent reinjury.
Dr. Shah has a single goal: To do whatever it takes to free you from the pain and life limitations of tendonitis and other painful foot and ankle conditions.
Don’t delay. Schedule a visit at our Elgin or Rockford office today. Call the office or request an appointment via our convenient online booking tool.
