Tendinitis (Non-achilles)

Cause: Overuse, trauma, shoes with minimal support, foot deformity.

Appearance: Pain with flexion or extension of the ankle (plantarflexion and dorsiflexion)

How to Diagnose: Clinical exam focused on muscle testing. X-rays to rule out other pathology. MRI or ultrasound to evaluate tendon.

Treatment:

- Rest, ice, elevation, compression

- Anti-inflammatories ( if ok to take)

- Supportive shoes

- Physical therapy

- Orthotics

- Bracing (custom or OTC)

- If severe – immobilization in boot for 4 weeks

- Surgery

o If there is no tearing- certain tendons can be debrided arthroscopically

o For more advanced tendon pathology- open surgery to debride and repair tearing/thickening, possible tendon transfer.

§ Careful consideration should be given when transferring tendons as this will change push off power, side to side movement, and serving motion

Long-term prognosis: Once inflammation is under control, typically orthotics and/or bracing will keep symptoms to a minimum. Surgery recovery varies, with simple debridement taking 4-6 weeks to return to sport and more advanced procedures taking 8-12 weeks to return with bracing.

Who to call: Podiatrist, orthopedic surgeon