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Tendinitis

Tendinitis services offered in Clarksville, Nashville and Erin, TN and Hopkinsville, KY

Up to 70,000 Americans miss work each year because of tendinitis. At Gateway Foot and Ankle Center, with locations in Clarksville, Nashville, and Erin, Tennessee, and Hopkinsville, Kentucky, the team of board-certified podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating overuse injuries like tendinitis. After an exam, they can make treatment recommendations to help you feel better. To receive treatment for tendinitis today, call the nearest office or book online.

What is tendinitis?

Tendinitis refers to inflammation of one (or several) tendons. Tendons are thick pieces of soft tissue that connect your muscles to your bones. They’re tough and durable but also susceptible to injury.

If you experience foot or heel pain that affects your mobility or quality of life, seek treatment at Gateway Foot and Ankle Center immediately.

What are the symptoms of tendinitis?

Symptoms of tendinitis include:

  • Dull pain at the back of the heel
  • Pain or stiffness in one or both calves
  • Severe foot or leg pain after exercise
  • Tenderness in the morning

As the condition worsens, you might also experience persistent leg or foot pain that affects your ability to work, exercise, or do other routine activities.

When should I seek treatment for tendinitis?

Make an appointment with the team at Gateway Foot and Ankle Center if you experience pain at or near the back of your heel and it doesn’t improve with ice or rest. That’s especially true if the pain occurs alongside other symptoms, like swelling, redness, or bruising.

How is tendinitis diagnosed?

To diagnose tendinitis, your Gateway Foot and Ankle Center provider reviews your health records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, their severity, and if they’re worse at certain times of day, like after you first get out of bed in the morning.

Next, your provider completes a physical exam. They gently press on your calves and heels to identify sensitive areas. Then, they check your foot and ankle’s range of motion, muscle strength, and reflexes. Last, your provider orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, an ultrasound, or an MRI. These procedures can identify problems with your bones, joints, or soft tissues.

How is tendinitis treated?

At Gateway Foot and Ankle Center, the team treats tendinitis with conservative and minimally invasive treatments whenever possible. They might recommend taking over-the-counter pain medication, wearing custom orthotics, or enrolling in physical therapy.

If your symptoms continue or worsen, you might benefit from surgery. The team at Gateway foot and Ankle Center regularly performs Achilles tendon repair. 

Is there any way to prevent tendinitis?

You can significantly reduce your risk of tendinitis by exercising the right way. The team at Gateway Foot and Ankle Center recommends:

  • Increasing your activity level gradually
  • Warming up before workouts
  • Cooling down after workouts
  • Stretching daily
  • Strengthening your calf muscles

To receive treatment for tendinitis today, call the nearest Gateway Foot and Ankle Center office or book online.