Tendon Injuries and Treatments
Understanding Tendon Injuries and How Podiatry Care Restores Foot Health
Tendons are strong flexible tissues that connect muscles to bones and allow the body to move efficiently. In the feet and ankles tendons work constantly to stabilize the arch absorb shock and guide motion with every step. Because of their continuous workload these structures are especially vulnerable to injury. Tendon injuries in the foot and ankle can affect daily comfort mobility and long term joint health when left untreated.
How Tendon Injuries Develop
Most tendon injuries do not happen all at once. They often begin with small amounts of stress that slowly overwhelm the tendon’s ability to repair itself. Repetitive movements prolonged standing uneven walking surfaces and poor footwear can all contribute. Foot structure also plays a major role. Flat feet may overstretch certain tendons while high arches can place excessive tension on others.
Age related changes further increase risk. As tendons age they lose elasticity and blood supply which slows healing. Medical conditions such as diabetes arthritis or circulation disorders may weaken tendon tissue and increase the likelihood of injury. Even minor changes in activity level can be enough to trigger pain when these factors are present.
Common Symptoms of Tendon Injuries
Tendon injuries often start with mild discomfort that may come and go. Early symptoms include aching soreness stiffness or tightness near a joint. Pain is commonly worse in the morning or after periods of rest and may improve slightly with movement before returning later in the day.
As the condition progresses swelling tenderness and warmth may develop along the tendon. Movement may feel restricted or unstable and certain motions may become painful. In more advanced cases the tendon may feel thickened or weak which can interfere with walking balance and endurance. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to partial tears or long term degeneration.
The Role of a Podiatrist in Tendon Care
A podiatrist is uniquely trained to diagnose and treat tendon injuries of the foot and ankle. Proper evaluation includes a detailed medical history physical examination and imaging when needed. Identifying the exact tendon involved and the cause of injury allows for targeted treatment rather than temporary symptom relief.
Podiatry Treatment Options
Treatment plans are customized based on the severity of the injury lifestyle needs and overall foot mechanics. Conservative care is often the first approach. This may include activity modification inflammation control and supportive devices such as custom orthotics or braces to reduce strain on the affected tendon.
Physical therapy plays a critical role by improving flexibility restoring strength and correcting movement patterns that contribute to injury. In some cases advanced therapies may be recommended to stimulate healing and reduce chronic pain.
When conservative treatment is not effective surgical intervention may be considered. Modern podiatric procedures focus on repairing damaged tissue while preserving function and promoting a safe recovery.
Protecting Your Tendons Long Term
Preventing tendon injuries begins with proper footwear regular stretching and addressing foot imbalances early. If foot or ankle pain persists contact Maple Springs Foot Center. Early podiatric care can stop minor tendon irritation from becoming a lasting condition and help you return to pain free movement with confidence. Our Podiatry team, Dr. Stuart Snyder, Dr. Sara Sharma and Dr. Gregory Aubertin , specializes in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions.
Expert Podiatric Care in Gaithersburg, MD
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Maple Springs Foot Center
Gaithersburg, MD
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