How Do You Treat Tendonitis in the Foot?

Tendons are bands of tissue connecting muscles to bones that allow us to move our limbs. Foot tendonitis occurs when a tendon in your foot becomes irritated due to overuse or injury. It results in pain and swelling. At East End Occupational Therapy, we can address foot tendonitis and other overuse injuries with occupational therapy in Suffolk County. Continue reading to learn more about foot tendonitis.

The Types of Foot Tendonitis

There are multiple tendons in the foot that can become irritated from foot tendonitis. Some of the types of tendonitis include:

• Achilles tendonitis affects the tendon that connects your calf muscle and heel bone.
• Extensor tendonitis irritates the tendon along the top of your foot. 
• Peroneal tendonitis causes inflammation in the two tendons that run along the outer ankle bone.
• Posterior tibial tendonitis affects the tendon that connects your calf muscle to the bones on the inside of your foot.

Who Gets Foot Tendonitis?

Anyone can get foot tendonitis, but it is seen more commonly in active people and can overuse the tendons in the foot. Other people who are susceptible to foot tendonitis include people who:

• Are overweight.
• Don’t stretch before or after physical activity.
• Have a health condition such as arthritis, gout, thyroid disease, or diabetes.
• Flat feet.
• Tight tendons.
• Have had a previous tendon injury.
• Smoke or use tobacco products.

Causes of Foot Tendonitis

Foot tendonitis is chronic and develops over time when repeated stress is put on the tendons in your foot. However, it can also be caused by overstretching a tendon, over-rotating your ankle, or using improper techniques when active.

Foot Tendonitis At Occupational Therapy in Suffolk County

Symptoms of foot tendonitis vary depending on which tendon becomes injured. However, some of the general symptoms include:

• Bone spurs
• Pain where the tendon attaches
• Pain that worsens with physical activity
• Stiffness in the tendon
• Swelling, redness, or warmth around the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

If any of the above symptoms occur, seek occupational therapy in Suffolk County.

Treatment of Foot Tendonitis

Our doctor can recommend home treatments for foot tendonitis, such as the RICE method. The RICE method consists of the following:

• Rest the foot to avoid further injury.
• Ice the location with a cold compress to decrease the swelling.
• Compress the injured tendon with a bandage or wrap.
• Elevate the foot to reduce pain and throbbing.

Additional treatments that our specialist can recommend include:

• Stretches or exercises
• Occupational therapy in Suffolk County
• Orthotics 
• Pain relievers
• Soft cast or boot

Surgery For Foot Tendonitis

Most cases of foot tendonitis heal with nonsurgical treatment. However, surgery can be the solution if symptoms haven’t improved after six months. Examples of surgical treatments include:

• Gastrocnemius Recession- The calf muscle is lengthened to relieve stress on the Achilles tendon.
• Tenosynovectomy- The damaged tendon tissue is removed, and the rest of the tissue is stitched together.
• Tendon transfer- The damaged tendon tissue is removed and replaced with another healthy tendon in your foot.

Preventing Foot Tendonitis At Occupational Therapy in Suffolk County

Foot tendonitis is mainly caused by overuse. You can reduce the risk of foot tendonitis by following these tips:

• Do not push through pain.
• Gradually work up intensity when engaging in physical activity.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Do not overwork your tendons.
• Rest between workouts.
• Stretch before and after exercise.
• Wear well-supportive shoes.

East End Occupational Therapy in Suffolk County

Foot tendonitis is a fairly common overuse injury seen in athletes. It can result in pain, stiffness, and swelling, so the condition should be addressed with occupational therapy in Suffolk County. At East End Occupational Therapy, we work with patients to relieve discomfort and return them to their favorite activities. Contact our team to learn how to address your condition or injury with occupational therapy.