Tendinitis of the Foot

Tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendon. It can occur almost anywhere in the body where a tendon connects a bone to a muscle, including in the foot and ankle. The condition occurs gradually over time and is most often the result of repetitive motions or overuse of the tendon during sports activities.

Extensor tendinitis is the inflammation of the extensor tendons that run along the top of the foot and straighten the toes. Symptoms consist of pain and sometimes swelling along the top of the foot which is made worse by running and is relieved with rest.

Flexor tendinitis is the inflammation of the flexor tendons in the foot that are responsible for bending the big toes. They run down the inside of the ankle and under the foot to the toes. Symptoms include pain in the arch of the foot, on the inside back of the ankle, and when the big toe is bent against resistance.

Posterior tibial tendinitis is the inflammation of the tibialis posterior tendon that passes down the back of the leg, inside of the ankle and under the foot. Symptoms include pain on the inside of the foot which may radiate under the foot.

Achilles tendinitis (also known as Achilles tendinopathy or Achilles tendinosis) is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle. Achilles tendinitis can be acute or chronic. Symptoms include pain and stiffness at the back of the ankle which may come on gradually.

If you suspect you may have tendinitis of the foot, the foot and ankle team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group will assess the injury and rule out other causes, such as stress fractures of the bones. Treatment will focus on relieving the pain and preventing further injury.