Tendonitis is a condition that is caused by the inflammation of a tendon, which is the cord that attaches a bone to a muscle. Tendonitis is fairly common. Since tendons are located in many different locations throughout your body, tendonitis can develop in a wide variety of places.
Some of the most common spots where tendonitis develops include the thumb, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, and the Achilles’ tendon. The Achilles’ tendon runs along the back of the foot and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone.
What Causes Tendonitis?
In most cases, tendonitis is the result of repetitive movement in whichever location is affected. Many types of repetitive movements involve some minor impact. Although the impact is minor, when it occurs repeatedly, it can cause inflammation.
Many people who have tendonitis have developed it through the practice of various sports and hobbies, like gardening, painting, golf, or tennis. Performing these same motions over and over can be enough to inflame the tendon. You are also more likely to develop tendonitis if you do not stretch properly before activity.
The tendency to develop tendonitis increases with age. As we age, our tendons lose their elasticity and are less able to tolerate stress. People who have other medical problems, such as psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, are also more likely to develop tendonitis.
Symptoms of Tendonitis
Tendonitis causes pain, tenderness, and sometimes mild swelling in the affected area.
How to Avoid Tendonitis
Taking some simple precautions can help you to avoid developing tendonitis. You should always stretch before exercising or partaking in other active hobbies. Begin your activity slowly, and gradually increase your activity level.
Avoid repetitive motions whenever possible, and exert minimal force. If you have pain, take a break. Let your body rest, and try again later.
Treatment Options
If you are suffering from tendonitis, you should temporarily stop engaging in the activity that brought on your pain. Rest the affected area. Try applying ice to the affected area, and you may be advised to take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications by your doctor/pharmacist. If this doesn’t help, you should revisit your doctor to discuss other treatment options.
Your doctor may recommend that you receive a steroid injection at the site of the pain. The steroid injection reduces inflammation in the tendon, which usually relieves pain pretty quickly.
Physical therapy treatments may also be beneficial. This involves performing a variety of stretching and range of motion exercises. You may also be given a splint to wear on the affected area.
If no other treatment options are effective, your doctor may recommend that you undergo surgery.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendonitis affects the back of the foot and the calf. It can cause pain in the heel and along the length of the tendon (up the back of the calf) while you are walking or running. It can also cause stiffness or pain in those areas, especially upon waking in the morning.
Wearing shoes that do not give your feet the support that they need can exacerbate Achilles tendonitis. If you have Achilles tendonitis, it is important that you wear shoes that are supportive. Doing so can reduce your symptoms and minimize pain. Look for shoes that are softer under the heel cushion, and wear heel lifts in your shoes.
If you have Achilles tendonitis, visit Foot Solutions UK. We offer a variety of supportive footwear , cushioning inserts and arch supports that help to support and protect your feet so that you can continue with all of your favorite activities. Stop by Foot Solutions UK today to learn more about all of the options.
