Ankle Tendonitis
What is Ankle Tendonitis?
The medical definition of ankle tendonitis otherwise referred to as ankle tendinopathy is, inflammation and swelling of one of the tendons in the ankle. Tendons in the ankle act as shock absorbers and when overused or damaged, produce a wide range of symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Ankle Tendonitis?
The symptoms of ankle tendonitis vary dependent on the tendon that is affected. Tendonitis pain tends to be more noticeable when you first get up and increase when you stand after sitting and, or lying down, for a long time. The pain normally decreases after a short while but can come back when you have been standing for a long period.
The main symptoms associated with ankle tendonitis are:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Throbbing
- Tenderness in the foot
- Redness and warmth
- Skin discolouration
- Stiffness
- Weakness/instability (limping)
Additionally, symptoms vary across the different types of ankle tendonosis. All types of tendonitis may cause a combination of pain, stiffness and swelling.
1. Achilles tendonitis (back of ankle and calf muscle)
Achilles tendonitis symptoms usually affect the back of the ankle, which may travel up the calf muscle.
2. Posterior tibial tendonitis (inner side of ankle)
Posterior tibial tendonitis symptoms usually affect the inner side of the foot and ankle and instep of the foot.
3. Peroneal Tendonitis (outer side of ankle)
Peroneal tendonitis symptoms normally occur along the outer side of the ankle.
4. Flexor Tendonitis (back of ankle)
Flexor tendonitis symptoms usually cause a deep pain at the back of the ankle.
5. Extensor Tendonitis (top of foot)
Extensor tendonitis tends to cause pain on the top of the foot.
6. Anterior tibial tendonitis (front of ankle and top of foot)
Anterior tibial tendonitis normally causes pain at the front of the ankle and the top of the foot.
7. Posterior tibial tendonitis
Posterior tibial tendonitis tends to cause pain on the side of the foot and in the ankle, which may travel into the shin.
How is Ankle Tendonitis Diagnosed?
Ankle tendonitis may be diagnosed with a physical examination and diagnostic tests may be needed to determine the type and severity of the tendonitis.
Diagnostic tests for Ankle Tendonitis include:
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- MRI scans
- CT scans
What happens in an initial consultation for Ankle Tendonitis?
During your initial consultation, you will discuss all of your symptoms and medical history.
Your consultant will then normally conduct a physical examination and discuss all of the diagnostic tests that are required and what they involve.
What causes Ankle Tendonitis?
There are various causes of ankle tendonitis, running, dancing and exercise that puts repetitive strain on the foot and ankle can trigger tendonitis.
Common causes of Ankle Tendonitis:
- Flat feet (posterior tibial tendonitis)
- High feet arches
- Imbalanced muscles (in lower limbs)
- Trauma and, or impact injury
- A sudden increase in exercise
- Competitive sports
Medications that may cause Ankle Tendonitis:
- Antibiotics, called fluoroquinolones
Serious underlying health conditions that may cause ankle tendonitis:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Spondyloarthropathy
- Gout
- Psoriasis
- High blood pressure
Can Ankle Tendonitis be prevented?
Ankle Tendonitis cannot always be prevented and may occur even if you take precautions.
Certain things that may make you more likely to suffer from ankle tendonitis, include:
- A sudden increase in exercise without using stretches and training techniques to warm up
- Regular weight-bearing activities
- Playing competitive sports regularly
Preventing ankle tendonitis may not be possible, however, to reduce your risk of developing tendonitis:
Don’t:
- Smoke
- Consume more than the weekly recommended units of alcohol
- Eat food and, or drink containing high amounts of salt
Do:
- Stretch the tendons in the feet and ankles, prior to exercise
- Take regular breaks when exercising
- Increase exercise routines gradually
- Allow yourself a few days rest each week
- Wear an ankle support
- Avoid wearing heels and high wedges
- Wear suitable footwear when exercising
How is Ankle tendonitis be treated and cured?
Treatments for ankle tendonitis vary and may include medications, leg casts, walking boots, leg braces, orthotics and, or surgical procedures.
Treatment for ankle tendonitis at home
The golden standard for treating ankle tendonitis is the R.I.C.E. method. This means you rest, ice, apply compression and elevate the leg.
Aspirin and anti-inflammatory pain killers such as ibuprofen tablets or gel, can also be used to help ease the symptoms.
Non-surgical treatments for ankle tendonitis include:
- Massage therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (EST)
- Corticosteroid injections into the ankle and, or foot
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment
- Dry needling
Surgical treatment for ankle tendonitis include:
Ultrasonic treatment, involves a small incision, to insert an ultrasonic device that emits ultrasonic waves, to destroy scar tissue around the tendon.
Tendon surgery may be required, if the tendon is not responding to any other treatments and, or is badly torn.
Doctify are here to help you with ankle tendonitis (tendinopathy). Here at Doctify, we understand how distressing and restrictive, symptoms of ankle tendinitis may be and aim to make it simple and easy, to find a local consultant to diagnose and treat you.
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