Tendinitis

Tendons are strong, flexible bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones and allow movement of the joints. Tendinitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, most commonly caused by overuse, repetitive stress, or acute injury. This condition can lead to pain, swelling, and tenderness around the affected tendon and nearby joint.

Tendinitis can occur at any age, but it is more common in adults due to natural age-related loss of tendon elasticity and reduced healing capacity. In the foot and ankle, the most frequently affected tendons include the Achilles tendon and the posterior tibial tendon, both of which play a critical role in walking, stability, and arch support.

Common Symptoms

Patients with tendinitis may experience:

• Pain along a tendon, especially with activity

• Swelling or thickening of the tendon

• Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after rest

• Discomfort that worsens with walking, running, or prolonged standing

• Tenderness when the tendon is touched or used

Causes and Risk Factors

Tendinitis is typically caused by:

• Overuse or repetitive motion

• Sudden increase in activity or exercise intensity

• Improper footwear or poor foot mechanics

• Flat feet or high arches altering tendon strain

• Sports or activities with repetitive impact

• Age-related tendon degeneration

Treatment Options

At Edge Podiatry, treatment is tailored to the severity and location of the condition. Conservative care is typically effective and may include:

• Activity modification and rest

• Stretching and strengthening exercises

• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)

• Custom orthotics to reduce tendon stress

• Bracing or immobilization when needed

• Physical therapy programs

• Injection therapy in selected cases

For chronic or severe cases, advanced treatment options or surgical intervention may be considered to restore function and reduce pain.

Tendinosis vs. Tendinitis

It is important to distinguish tendinitis from tendinosis. While tendinitis involves inflammation, tendinosis refers to chronic tendon degeneration at the cellular level without significant inflammation. Tendinosis often develops from untreated or long-standing tendinitis and may require a different treatment approach.

Advanced Treatment Options

For persistent tendon pain, we also offer advanced therapies such as:

• REMY Class IV Laser Therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing

• Regenerative options such as PRP or other biologic injections when appropriate

Summary

Tendinitis is a common but highly treatable condition when addressed early. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most patients experience significant improvement in pain and function and can return to normal activity without long-term limitations.