Tendinitis Specialist
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Jim Francois, D.P.M., P.T, PA
Foot & Ankle Surgeon & Podiatrist located in North Miami Beach, FL
When you have unexplained pain in your foot or ankle, it may be tendonitis, which is inflammation of the tendons of your foot. Dr. Jim François, a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon, can diagnose, treat, and prevent tendonitis. If you live in or near North Miami Beach, Florida and think that tendonitis causes your foot and ankle to ache, it’s time to find a solution that works. Call Dr. François’s office today to schedule your appointment, or book your initial consultation online. Dr.François also serves the communities of Aventura, Miami, Miami Gardens, Miami Lakes, North Miami, Opa-Locka, and Sunny Isles, FL.
Tendinitis Q & A
What is tendonitis?
Tendonitis occurs when your tendons become inflamed. Tendons attach your muscles to bones and are the mechanisms that enable motion. In your foot and ankle, tendonitis often manifests in your Achilles tendon (on your heel) or your peroneal tendon (along your outer ankle to your arch).
When left untreated, tendonitis can progress, leading to more inflammation. In some cases, the tendon structure becomes compromised and forms microscopic tears throughout the tendon, leading to its degeneration, a condition called tendonosis.
What are the symptoms of tendonitis?
Tendonitis can manifest through various symptoms. The most common symptom is pain within or around your tendon. The pain may ache or feel sore and can worsen after a period of inactivity or with increased activity. Other symptoms of tendonitis include:
- Stiffness in your tendon
- Swelling around the tendon
- Formation of nodules
- Warmth to the touch
- Weakness or instability
- Changes in foot shape or arch
What causes tendonitis?
Tendonitis is often an overuse disorder as your tendons become inflamed with repetitive movements or a sudden increase in activity. You can develop acute tendonitis, which occurs after a specific event or injury, or chronic tendonitis, which develops over time and continuous wear and tear.
Dr. François often treats tendonitis in athletes and laborers, especially those who put extra stress on the foot and ankle. Weekend warriors, those who play sports only on the weekends, are also prone to tendonitis. Flat arches can make tendonitis more likely.
How do you treat tendonitis?
Dr. François recommends treating your tendonitis based on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause of inflammation. He may suggest immobilizing your foot to let your tendons rest and inflammation reduce.
Ice can help with swelling and pain. Apply it to your treatment area for 20 minutes during each waking hour. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can also help to manage your pain.
For chronic tendonitis, Dr. François may suggest wearing a custom fit orthotic device, brace, or night splint. If the symptoms of your tendonitis don’t improve, he may recommend strengthening exercises to do at home or physical therapy.
In extreme cases, he may opt for surgery.
To see the best recommendation for your tendonitis, call Dr. François’s office today, or book your initial consultation online.
