Tendonitis Specialist

What is tendonitis?

Tendonitis is a painful condition characterized by irritated or inflamed tendons. Your tendons are thick cords of fibrous tissue that attach muscle to bone.

Tendonitis can affect any of your tendons, but it’s common near your joints, like the wrists, knees, and shoulders. If you regularly experience pain or stiffness, and it affects your mobility, make an appointment at Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center.

What are the symptoms of tendonitis?

Symptoms of tendonitis include:

• A dull, aching pain
• Tenderness
• Mild swelling
• Discomfort during physical activities

If these symptoms last for more than a day or two or prevent you from going to work, it’s important to seek professional help.

Who is at risk of experiencing tendonitis?

Anyone can experience tendonitis, but several factors may increase your risk. For example, tendonitis is very common in athletes who play sports that involve repetitive motions like soccer, basketball, and tennis. You might also develop tendonitis if you work a job that requires you to bend and lift regularly or reach over your head.

Does tendonitis increase my risk of other issues?

If you have tendonitis, you’re also more likely to experience a ruptured tendon, a potentially serious condition that often requires surgery. What’s more, if tendon irritation lasts for more than a few weeks, you might develop tendinosis, a condition that causes degenerative changes to your tendon.

How is tendonitis diagnosed?

To diagnose tendonitis, your provider at Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, if it’s worse during certain activities, and whether or not it responds to at-home treatment.

Next, they conduct a physical exam. During the exam, your provider gently presses on your feet, heels, and ankles to pinpoint areas of warmth or sensitivity. They also have you do a series of easy exercises to test your muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

Your provider might also order X-rays or other imaging tests to rule out underlying conditions, like fractures, bone spurs, or a ruptured tendon.

How is tendonitis treated?

Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center offers several types of treatment for tendonitis. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and enhance your mobility. Your provider might recommend:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Corticosteroid injections
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Amniofix injections
• Treatment with the foot pain laser
• Custom orthotics
• Physical therapy

If you experience a tendon rupture or a tendon tear, your provider might recommend surgical intervention. There are both minimally invasive and traditional open procedures that can provide lasting relief. 

To receive treatment for tendonitis, make an appointment at Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.

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