Tendinitis Specialist

What is tendinitis?

Tendinitis is irritation and inflammation of a tendon. Your tendons are the thick fibrous cords that attach your muscles to your bones. A trained podiatrist like Dr. Griffin treats tendinitis of the tendons in your foot and ankle area.

Achilles tendinitis involves inflammation of the tendon toward the back of your foot. Other types of foot and ankle tendinitis include posterior tibial tendinitis and peroneal tendinitis.

Tendinitis causes pain and swelling around a joint, and while it can occur in any of your tendons, it’s most common around your elbows, wrists, shoulders, knees, and heels.

What are the symptoms of tendinitis?

If you have tendinitis, the symptoms tend to occur at the point where the tendon attaches to a bone. Symptoms of tendinitis can include pain that’s often described as a dull ache, especially when moving the affected joint or limb, as well as tenderness and mild swelling.

If you have flat feet, low arches, tight tendons, or arthritis, it makes you more prone to developing tendinitis.

What causes tendinitis?

Tendinitis can be caused by a sudden injury. The condition can also stem from overuse and repetitive movements over time. Occupations or sports activities and hobbies that involve repetitive movements and stress on your tendons can also lead to tendinitis.

If tendon inflammation and irritation persist for several weeks or even months, degenerative changes in the tendon can take place, along with abnormal new blood vessel growth.

How is tendinitis treated?

Your comprehensive consultation with Bailey Griffin, DPM, usually involves a physical exam and X-rays or MRI scan when necessary to rule out any other problems such as a fracture or torn tendon. To treat your tendinitis, Dr. Griffin might recommend:

• Resting, elevating, and icing the area
• Applying compression wraps or elastic bandages to decrease swelling
• Physical therapy
• Laser therapy
• Medications such as anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, and corticosteroids

Tendinitis treatments are usually centered around relieving pain and reducing inflammation. If tendinitis is severe and recurring and leads to the rupture of a tendon, surgery might be necessary. Dr. Griffin uses the latest surgical techniques, tools, and technology.

If you experience chronic tendinitis, visit Dr. Griffin for an appropriate customized treatment plan. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.