Foot tendonitis involves inflammation of any tendon in the foot, the most common of which are the Achilles, peroneal, extensor and posterior tibial tendons. Irritation of the foot tendon causes the inflammation and this is usually due to overuse, frequently from athletic activities or manual labor, and leads to pain and swelling. Dr. J. Leonard Knudson, DPM offers a variety of treatments for tendon injuries at his practice, the Associated Foot Care Clinic in Culver City.
Foot Tendon Treatments at Associated Foot Care in Culver City
When the foot tendons are overused from excessive exercise or manual labor, tendonitis can occur, which will cause pain in the affected limb. Tendonitis comes in various types such as:
Achilles tendonitis: Involving the tendon connecting calf muscle and heel bone. It is the strongest tendon in the body. It is involved in running, jumping, walking and other activities where rising on the toes is required.
Extensor tendonitis: Irritation of the tendon running along the top of your foot. These attach bones at the front of the leg to the toes.
Peroneal tendonitis: Inflammation of either the two tendons running along the outer ankle bone. They connect to the midfoot and the arch to help with stability.
Posterior tibial tendonitis: Involves the tendon connecting the calf muscle to bones on the inside of the foot. They help hold up the arch of the foot.
Plantar fasciitis: Pain at the underside of the heel and within the arch of the foot due to the ligament, which is technically not a tendon but results in the same symptoms present in tendonitis and requiring similar treatment.
Non-surgical treatment for tendonitis involves interventions such as:
Resting the tendon by using crutches
Applying ice to the area
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
Immobilizing the ankle for several weeks
Surgical intervention for severe cases of foot tendonitis involves an operation where an incision is made in the back of the lower leg to access the torn tendon and stitch it back together. If the torn tissue has been damaged severely, other tendons may be utilized to reinforce it. This process has the risk of infection and nerve damage.
Physical therapy is necessary after non-surgical or surgical treatment to rehabilitate the injured tissue of the affected limb and strengthen the surrounding leg muscles. Most patients will take four to six months to return to their previous activity level but strength and stability training should continue as issues can persist for a year.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. J. Leonard Knudson - a Culver City Foot Doctor for treatment.
Dr. J. Leonard Knudson is a Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Culver City and near West Los Angeles. We also tend to patients from nearby - UCLA, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice, Santa Monica and the West Los Angeles area.
Associated Foot Care Clinic, Inc.
A Podiatrist Group. Since 1982. Foot and Ankle Specialists.
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm