Tendonitis

Symtoms

Tendonitis can be a common condition seeing as we always use our feet. Patients will experience pain and swelling along the instep of the foot. A burning, shooting, or stabbing pain can occur if the nerves are also inflammed from the strained tendon.

The pain gets progressively worse as the day passes on because the injury is further irritated by using the foot, or trying to walk differently to avoid stepping directly on the affected area. Eventually, this condition can cause a flat foot deformity, that can be very aparent.

Possible Causes

Injury can run from minor strain to the tendon all the way to a rupture. The inflammation isn't necessarily the cause, it's more along the lines of the degenerative properties of tendonitis. The tendon structure is like that of a rope and can start to "fray".

The tendon ends up experiencing much strain and is often refered to as an "overuse injury". The tendon that is afflicted is called the posterior tibial tendon - it runs from the inside of the bump on your ankle, across the instep of the foot, and attaches at the bottom.

Treament

Rest of course, is the number one priority coupled with icing the injury, and taking anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil. Compressive dressings may also help.

Orthotic devices may also be suggested in order to brace the foot for more stability and to help the healing process.

If the condition is serious, like the tendon rupturing, surgery might be needed. The tendon itself may be repaired, or a graft might be another choice in order to replace the damaged part. The fusion of joints is also a type of surgical treatment used to keep the arch from flattening/to relieve pain. In this process, several joints would need to fuse together.

Following any surgery, the foot will need to be put in a cast in order to heal properly, and it's possible that some physical therapy, and a checkup schedule discussed with your doctor might be needed once the cast is taken off.