Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon, the structure that connects a muscle to its bone. There are several tendons in the foot and ankle that are commonly affected. The inflammation can occur after trauma, from overuse, or as a result of another medical problem such as arthritis or collagen vascular diseases. The inflammation puts pressure on the surrounding nerves, causing pain, and releases certain chemicals that damage the tendon, causing further pain and sometimes altering the structure of the tendon.
Most patients feel an aching pain in the area of the inflammation.
The pain usually increases with an increase in activity levels. Your doctor will examine your foot, moving it through various motions to evaluate more specifically where the pain is originating. You may be asked to stand or walk so your doctor can determine if your foot structure or walking pattern are affected by or causing the problem. If tendon damage is suspected, you may be sent for a special test such as an X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound. If there is a suspicion of an underlying medical condition, you may be asked to have your blood checked for certain products.