Don’t Ignore That Pain: What You Should Know About Tendonitis

September 6 2025

Is foot or ankle pain slowing you down? You might be dealing with tendonitis — one of the most common (and sneaky!) causes of discomfort we see in our patients every week.

In our latest article, Dr. Rivero shares:

🦶 What tendonitis really is

⚠️ The warning signs you shouldn’t ignore

💡 Simple, effective treatment options

✅ How to prevent it from coming back

Your tendons work hard for you every single day — let’s make sure they get the care they deserve! 🙌

#Podiatry #FootHealth #Tendonitis #HealthyFeet #AnkleCare #SportsMedicine #PainRelief #FFLC

Eileen Rivero, DPM ABPM
Kevin Lam, DPM, FACFAS

As a podiatrist, I see tendonitis in the foot and ankle almost every week. It’s a condition that can slow you down, make walking uncomfortable, and sometimes keep you from doing the activities you love. The good news is that with early care, most cases heal well and don’t require surgery.

What Exactly is Tendonitis?

Your tendons are strong cords that connect muscles to bones. They act like pulleys, helping you move and supporting your body weight with every step. When these tendons become irritated or inflamed, we call it tendonitis.

In the foot and ankle, the most commonly affected tendons are:

• Achilles tendon – at the back of your ankle, connecting your calf to your heel.
• Posterior tibial tendon – along the inside of your ankle, helping support your arch.
• Peroneal tendons – along the outside of your ankle, helping with balance and stability.

Tendonitis can develop suddenly after an intense activity or gradually from repeated stress over time. Because tendons heal more slowly than muscles, early diagnosis and treatment are essential.

Why Does Tendonitis Happen?

While anyone can develop tendonitis, certain factors increase your risk. Overuse is one of the biggest contributors – especially in people who increase their activity levels too quickly. Wearing shoes that lack support or cushioning can also put extra strain on tendons.

Foot shape plays a role as well. Flat feet or high arches can change the way pressure is distributed through the foot, increasing stress on certain tendons. Past injuries, such as sprains or fractures, can weaken the tendon and make it more vulnerable to irritation.

Signs You Might Have Tendonitis

Most people notice a slow build-up of discomfort rather than a single moment of injury. You may feel pain along the tendon, swelling, stiffness (especially in the morning), or warmth over the affected area. In the early stages, pain might ease with rest, but if left untreated, it can become constant and interfere with daily activities.

How Podiatrists Diagnose It

When I evaluate a patient for tendonitis, I start with a conversation about their symptoms, activities, and footwear. A physical exam helps pinpoint tenderness, swelling, and changes in movement. If needed, imaging like ultrasound or MRI can give a clear view of the tendon and rule out other problems.

Treatment Options That Work

The good news is that most cases improve without surgery. The earlier we start treatment, the better the recovery. I often recommend:

• Rest and activity changes – avoiding activities that irritate the tendon.
• Ice therapy – applying ice for 15-20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
• Supportive shoes or orthotics – to improve alignment and reduce strain.
• Physical therapy – stretching and strengthening exercises to restore function.
• Anti-inflammatory medication – if appropriate, to help manage pain and swelling.

Mild cases can improve in a few weeks, while more stubborn tendonitis may take months. Patience is key – pushing too hard too soon can cause setbacks.

Preventing Tendonitis in the Future

You can greatly reduce your risk of tendonitis with a few simple habits:

• Wear supportive, well-fitted shoes and replace them before they wear out.
• Increase your activity levels gradually rather than making sudden jumps.
• Stretch your calves and ankles daily to keep tendons flexible.
• Pay attention to early pain signals and rest before it becomes a bigger problem.

Tendonitis might not seem as serious as a broken bone, but it can interfere with your life if you ignore it. If you have persistent pain in your foot or ankle, it’s best to get it checked out. With the right treatment and prevention strategies, you can keep your tendons healthy and your feet moving comfortably.

If you are experiencing tendonitis pain, contact Dr. Rivero’s office at (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or visit www.NaplesPodiatrist.com to schedule an appointment.

 

 

 

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Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has multiple convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies.

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