4 treatments for tendinitis in the foot

Tendinitis, also called tendinopathy, is a condition that involves inflammation of one or more of the tendons in the body. It can occur anywhere there is a tendon in the body including the feet. If you've ever had tendinitis in your foot before, you probably know how disruptive the pain can be to your everyday life. It can be especially disruptive when it's left untreated for extended periods. If you're dealing with inflammation in your foot and hoping to find treatments for it, read through some of the symptoms, causes and treatments for this condition. 

What are some of the most common symptoms?

There are a few common symptoms of tendinitis that can appear in the feet. When someone has tendinitis in their feet, they're likely to experience symptoms like pain, swelling and tightness. It may become hard to move the feet without experiencing significant discomfort. Pain can increase in intensity with increased usage of the foot. Some patients might even experience weakness in the affected foot and might have a hard time walking or moving their feet. Trouble walking can especially occur after periods of inactivity. Symptoms typically get worse when left untreated over time. 

What are some of the most common causes of tendinitis in the foot?

There are several common causes of tendinitis in the foot. You can reference the list below to determine if your tendinitis might be related to any of the following conditions:

• Overuse — One of the most common causes of tendinitis in the foot is from repeated overuse. Most people develop this condition as a result of jobs or daily activities that require the same types of movements again and again. When the tendon in the foot is placed under stress from repetitive movements, it can become inflamed and develop into tendinitis. 

• Rheumatoid arthritis — Another common reason for tendinitis in the foot is rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis causes a person's immune system to attack cells that are actually healthy. It can cause inflammation and swelling around joints, and it can also cause the body to attack the tendons and ligaments near those joints. 

• Traumatic injury — Another cause of tendinitis in the foot can be traumatic injury. Injury during sports or other athletic activity can cause the tendon to tear or become inflamed. 

What are some treatment options for tendinitis in the foot?

There are a few different treatment methods that you could try for inflammation of the tendon in your foot. You can read through each treatment option to determine which might be best for you and your unique circumstances. Some of these options can be effective on their own, while others might be more effective when paired with another treatment method simultaneously: 

• Physical therapy — One of the best treatment options for tendinitis in the foot is physical therapy. Physical therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions and ailments but especially tendon inflammation in the feet. PT specialists are professionals who are uniquely qualified to help reduce the pain and inflammation in the feet. They can identify the root cause of your tendinitis and then subsequently treat the cause so that you can get back on your feet as soon as possible. Physical therapy is a noninvasive, gentle treatment method that can be extremely effective.

• Rest — Another treatment option for someone with tendinitis in their foot is rest. Often, the inflammation in the tendon becomes worse when the foot is used without having enough time to rest. Giving your foot a break can help reduce some of the swelling and inflammation that is occurring in your foot and can ultimately help you get back on your feet with minimal pain. 

• Ice packs — Another option for treating tendinitis in the foot is ice packs. Ice therapy can help reduce both the swelling and the pain in the feet, even if temporarily. This mode of treatment is usually recommended while at home. However, using ice in conjunction with other treatment methods is usually more effective. 

• Anti-inflammatory medication — Taking anti-inflammatory medications, like NSAIDs, can help reduce the pain and inflammation in the tendon for short periods. This is another treatment method that is best used when in conjunction with another treatment like physical therapy.

Ready to receive the high-quality physical therapy care you deserve? Let Alliance PTP find you a qualified care provider

Caring. Effective. Convenient. These are words that you may not think about when you think of physical therapy, but Alliance Physical Therapy Partners is here to change that. 

Our partner network is staffed by caring physical therapists who are ready to provide you with effective, personalized care for your foot tendinitis. And we offer both in-person and virtual PT sessions, so you’ll be able to choose the care that’s most convenient for you. 

Get in touch with our team today to learn more about our caring, effective and convenient PT.