A tendon is a band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. Tendinitis is an inflammation of or an injury to a tendon. Because of the constant stress and demands placed on it, the foot is a common area to have the condition. Contributing factors to developing tendinitis in the foot includes obesity, an injury to the foot and other medical conditions such as diabetes and arthritis. Because the tendons do not stretch, they are susceptible to injury from repeated use.
Pain
Pain and tenderness accompany tendinitis. The pain location varies depending on the area of injury. The pain may exist along the arch of the foot, on the sides of the ankle, on the top of the foot, along the side of the foot or up the back of the heel. The pain may be a sharp stabbing type in the arch or a dull pain when walking. The area may also feel tender when touched. The condition causes more pain when the foot is active and the pain lessens when rested. Without proper treatment, the pain will gradually worsen with time. The injured area may have feel warm to the touch.
Swelling
A swelling of the ankle and foot may occur with tendinitis. The swelling often follows the line of the tendon. The tendon involved may also present with a lump of swelling over the affected area. Applying ice and elevating the foot help relieve the edema caused by the tendinitis.
Muscular Involvement
Tendinitis in the foot may cause weakness in the surrounding muscles. The muscles may also feel stiff after resting the tendon. Warming up the area with gentle, easy movements helps to lessen the stiffness. Rising on the toes may cause weakness in the muscles of the foot, causing this move to be difficult. According to the Mayo Clinic, the inability to stand on one's toes or bend one's foot signifies a ruptured tendon. Immediate medical attention is necessary for treating the condition.
