While you do have tendons throughout your body that are responsible for connecting muscles to bones, your Achilles tendon is the largest and can withstand forces of up to 1,000 pounds or more. As durable as tendons can be, tendonitis, especially Achilles tendonitis, is one of the leading reasons men and women turn to Philip Garrett, DPM, Dong Kim, DPM, and the highly skilled team at Landmark Foot and Ankle Center. If you have tendonitis, schedule an evaluation with this caring team by calling the office in Alexandria, Virginia. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

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What causes tendonitis?

Tendonitis occurs when you rupture, overstretch, or tear a tendon. While any tendon in your body can become injured, damage to your Achilles tendon, which runs down the back of your lower leg, is most common. Reasons you may develop tendonitis include:

  • Running or jumping regularly
  • Wear-and-tear or overuse
  • Wearing improper footwear
  • Stretching inadequately before sports or exercise
  • Putting out extra effort, like while sprinting

Sometimes you might just be prone to developing tendon injuries if you’re born with weaker tendons and soft tissues. Tendonitis can occur suddenly or develop gradually over time. Either way, though, you need to seek medical intervention at the first sign of discomfort, so your condition doesn’t worsen.

How do I know if I have tendonitis?

The most common sign of tendonitis, especially Achilles tendonitis, is pain in your lower leg, ankle, or foot. You may also experience:

  • Discomfort in your heel
  • Limited range of motion
  • Swelling or tenderness
  • Difficulty bearing weight on the injured leg

The only way to know for certain if you have tendonitis is to book an evaluation with the podiatry team at Landmark Foot and Ankle Center. Once your podiatrist understands the severity of your injury, they can get you started on treatment right away.

Which tendonitis treatments do I need?

The team at Landmark Foot and Ankle Center has extensive training in modern, conservative tendonitis therapies, even for Achilles tendonitis. Under their care, you can feel confident that they can help resolve your discomfort. Your tendonitis treatment plan may include:

  • Specialized eccentric stretches
  • Physical therapy
  • Cortisone injections
  • Custom orthotic inserts
  • Ultrasound or electrical stimulation therapy

If you’re still not getting relief or if your case of tendonitis is getting worse, Landmark Foot and Ankle Center might talk with you about surgery. Tendonitis surgery involves lengthening your calf muscles, repairing your tendon, or transferring part of your tendon.

Landmark Foot and Ankle Center cares for you every step of the way if you do ultimately need a surgical repair, although this is almost always a last resort.

Get started on your tendonitis treatment at Landmark Foot and Ankle Center today. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking online.