Inflammation of the tendons of the foot, tendonitis: a serious matter. Tendinitis of the foot - inflammation of the tendon Inflammation of the tendons of the foot symptoms treatment

The motor functions of the human skeletal apparatus are provided by adjacent muscles, the attachment of which to the bones is carried out using ligaments or tendons - formations consisting of dense bundles of connective tissue, in which the main role is played not by the cellular, but by the fibrous structure. Tendons are at risk of developing pathological processes. One form of such specific pathologies is tendonitis or inflammation of the tendon.

Reasons for development

Tendinitis is a ligament disease that is inflammatory in nature, but does not lead to the development of disorders in the structure of the tendon. Most often it occurs in older men. There are other forms of pathology of the ligamentous apparatus - tendinosis, which develops with the progression of tendonitis and leads to degenerative-destructive changes in tendon tissue, and tenosynovitis - inflammation that begins not from the tendon itself, but from its synovial membrane.

The main cause of tendonitis is chronic fatigue of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus of the limb with monotonous movements. Chronic tendonitis can develop in athletes due to improperly structured training process. Another risk group is people whose professional duties involve performing monotonous work with prolonged stress on the same muscle groups.

Tendon tendonitis also occurs as a consequence of:

• Mechanical injuries - joint dislocations, sprains and ligament ruptures. This is one of the main causes of foot tendinitis (Achilles tendonitis) as well as knee ligaments;
• Infection of wounds located near the joints and ligaments, when the infection can be introduced into the tendon area through the blood or lymph flow;
• Infectious diseases (gonorrhea);
• Pathologies of the thyroid gland;
• Inflammation of joints of a rheumatic (rheumatoid) nature;
• Degenerative joint pathologies;
• Disorders of metabolic (metabolic) processes;
• Weakness of the ligamentous apparatus due to its improper formation or anatomical defect of the limb (shortening, clubfoot, joint dysplasia).

Most often, tendonitis affects the cylindrical tendons of the joints of the upper and lower extremities, which bear the main load during movement and most types of physical labor. In ICD-10 (the tenth version of the International Classification of Diseases), tendonitis is classified as diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue M70 - M79 “Other soft tissue diseases.” The ICD 10 code for tendinitis is located in this group - the pathology is designated as M76.

Interesting!

Tendinitis does not affect a person's life expectancy, but can significantly impair its quality. If left untreated, tendonitis progresses, becoming chronic (tendinosis) and leading to disruption of the structure of the ligaments, which seriously impedes motor activity. At the first signs of this disease, you should consult a doctor. Then the chances of curing it completely increase.

Forms and symptoms of tendinitis

The classification of tendonitis depends on which tendon of the joint is affected by the pathology. On the legs, in addition to the ankle and knee joint, the disease is often localized in the lower leg area, affecting the tendons that attach its muscles. There is tendonitis of the posterior tibial muscle and tendonitis of the fibula, or rather, the ligaments that attach this muscle to it.

Another area affected by pathology of the joint ligaments of the lower extremities is the hip. A large number of large and small tendons that attach the muscles to the hip joint are affected by tedinitis quite often. There are known types of pathology such as:

• Tendonitis of the quadriceps femoris tendon, which occupies the anterior and partially lateral surface of this part of the lower limb;
• Tendinitis of the semimembranosus muscle located on the back of the thigh;
• Tendinitis of the gluteal muscles.

If the development of pathology began with damage to the ligaments of the joint, primary tendinitis is diagnosed. When it is a consequence of a disease of the joints themselves, a secondary type is determined.

Tendonitis is also divided into acute, subacute and chronic, which determines the nature of the symptoms of tendinitis. The acute type, which develops suddenly and quickly, is characterized by severe pain, redness and swelling of the skin at the site of localization, clearly visible in the photo of tendinitis, and an increase in local and general body temperature. When the joint is loaded, as well as during palpation (palpation), the pain intensifies; when auscultating (listening with a phonendoscope) the pathological area during limb movement, you can hear a characteristic sound generated by the friction of the ligamentous tissues in the synovial capsule surrounding the tendon.

After a few days (from two to five), the acute form becomes subacute, which is characterized by attenuation of symptoms - reduction of pain, normalization of temperature. Swelling and redness gradually subside, and the motor functions of the joint are restored.

If tendonitis is not treated promptly or completely, it can go from subacute to chronic. In this case, periodic outbreaks of exacerbations are provoked by factors such as overwork, hypothermia, and changes in weather conditions. The pain most often occurs at night.

The chronic form of the pathology is dangerous because calcific or ossifying tendonitis develops against its background. It is characterized by the formation of a hard calcium deposit on the surface of the tendon and in its synovial capsule. Such a complication, the development of which can last for several years without manifesting itself, is evidenced by the sudden appearance of acute pain and loss of elasticity in the ligaments. This negatively affects not only the patient’s condition, but also the dynamics of the joint, significantly reducing a person’s quality of life.

On a note!

Timely diagnosis of tendinitis and prescribing a course of drug therapy will help prevent such developments. Self-medication in such cases should not be done - this helps to prolong the disease, provoking the development of complications.

Diagnostic techniques for tendinitis

Diagnosis of tendonitis begins with an examination of the patient by a traumatologist. He interviews the patient. Then he feels the affected limb and checks the dynamic qualities of the leg joint. The doctor also performs auscultation of the joint and tendon.

In order to clarify the diagnosis, the patient is referred to:

• Laboratory blood tests - general analysis (CBC) and biochemistry, which record an increase in the number of leukocytes and an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), which indicates the development of the inflammatory process;
• Samples of material from the synovial capsule of the tendon for laboratory testing to detect pathological microflora;
• Fluoroscopy is performed to detect the connection between tendinitis and joint pathology. At an early stage of the disease, the image may not document pathological changes in the tendon. They appear later, when calcium deposits form in the ligament area;
• Diagnostic methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound are effective for tendinitis. They are able to note the development of the inflammatory process in the affected areas of the tendon, as well as determine the location of ligament ruptures in the event of a traumatic injury.

After clarifying the diagnosis, the doctor decides how and with what to treat tendinitis. Treatment methods depend on the etiology of the disease, the form and nature of its course, as well as the presence of concomitant diseases. If there are no serious complications requiring surgical or other special intervention, the patient does not need to stay in the hospital. If you follow your doctor's instructions, treating tendinitis at home is quite successful.

The patient must follow the doctor’s orders without interrupting the course of treatment without his permission, even if the symptoms disappear. Otherwise, there is a risk of tendinitis becoming chronic.

Tendonitis therapy

Therapeutic course for tendinitis includes medication and physical therapy. Physical therapy is also recommended. Drug treatment is aimed at:

• Relief of pain syndrome. For this purpose, inexpensive but effective drugs such as Aspirin, Analgin, Paracetamol are used;

• Relieving inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will help: Ketoprofen, Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Nise, Nurofen. These medications are available in injection, tablet and ointment forms, but for tendonitis, ointments are preferred as the most convenient and safe method of treatment;
• Improving blood circulation, for which local warming preparations are used, which include capsacin - an extract from red pepper. Ointments containing it (Finalgon, Capsicam, Espol, Nicorflex) cause an influx to the affected area. Apizartron, an ointment based on bee venom, which has a complex effect - warming, analgesic and anti-inflammatory - also has a good effect on tendonitis.

If external remedies do not provide relief, the use of tablet or injection forms is recommended. Injections are carried out in a medical facility. The medicine is injected directly into the area of ​​the affected tendon.

After acute symptoms are relieved, physiotherapy is used. It includes ultraviolet irradiation, magnetic therapy, electrophoresis, applications of paraffin, ozokerite, and therapeutic mud. Physical therapy will help normalize the functions of the ligaments and restore limb mobility.

When treating tendinitis with folk remedies, ice massage has a good effect - rubbing the sore limb with ice cubes for 15-20 minutes. Grinding from walnut partitions infused with vodka also helps, to prepare which you need to pour one glass of partitions with 150 ml of vodka and leave in a dark place for 18-20 days. Curcumin helps relieve pain and inflammation from tendonitis.

You can use folk remedies to treat tendinitis only after consulting your doctor.

Timely and comprehensive treatment of tendinitis guarantees complete recovery within two to three weeks. To prevent relapses of the disease, it is necessary to reduce the load on the tendon, avoid overwork and hypothermia.

The constant overload of the body is most reflected in the legs. Muscles and tendons have to do a lot of work every day. If overload occurs, inflammation begins, which is called the tibialis posterior muscle.

The tibialis posterior muscle is located on the back of the lower leg just below the triceps muscle, which joins it in the lower third of the lower leg.

The tendon runs behind the inner ankle and goes under the arch of the feet, eventually attaching to the navicular bone on the outside. It does a lot of work supporting the arch and keeping it in the correct position when we walk.

Progression of tendinitis

Tendonitis does not appear immediately. First, the outer shells suffer and are irritated, and a person may feel pain and crunching when moving. If the load is not reduced, inflammation increases, and the structure of the tissue begins to change. Some of its fibers are damaged, and some are replaced by scar tissue. As a result, a change in structure occurs.

If it ruptures, scar tissue forms in this place, which changes its outline. Thickenings can be on any side where cracks have formed.

Signs

The symptoms of such tendinitis are as follows:

• pain in the instep and behind the inner ankle;
• obvious flat feet develop;
• tendon rupture.

Diagnostics

The doctor conducts an examination and, to confirm the diagnosis, prescribes an MRI, which can be used to view changes in tissue structure. Significant thickening will be noticeable.

Treatment

Treatment is carried out using conservative methods. The first thing to do is to immediately change your shoes to orthopedic ones with an arch support insole that supports the foot. She will partially do the work, which will help relieve the load on the leg and give it a rest.

A person should move as little as possible and be in a state of rest.

In difficult cases, a plaster cast or splint is applied. Anti-inflammatory medications are also prescribed. Sometimes they are prescribed, but their use should be short-lived so as not to cause the opposite effect.

Some specialists prescribe special ointments containing hormones, along with phonophoresis or ultrasound. This tendon is close to the skin and these methods can be very effective.

In advanced cases, a special operation may be performed during which the scar tissue will be removed. Tendon repair may be required. It consists in removing a section of tendon from another place that is less important for life and transplanting it onto the tibial muscle. Such measures are taken only if conservative treatment has failed.

The rehabilitation period includes performing special exercises that should develop stagnant ligaments and tendons. Massage, ultrasound, etc. are also effective.

After the operation, the patient will need at least three months to recover. In some cases, during this period you will have to wear a splint or plaster cast, or walk on crutches. The stitches are removed after two weeks. Physical therapy relieves swelling and helps reduce pain. Gradually, they begin to carry out special exercises, which are done incrementally so that the leg can return to its previous functionality.

Prevention

To avoid such problems, you should follow simple rules:

• Don't overexert your legs;
• Training should be progressive. You should not immediately take on heavy loads;
• Before classes, warm up thoroughly and work out each limb so that it is ready for the load.

Tendonitis of the foot is an inflammatory process in the tendon tissues followed by their death. In addition to the tendons, the muscles of the sole are involved in the process, the tibialis posterior muscle, which unites the tibia and fibula and holds the arch of the foot.

The disease is always characterized by pain during movement in any way, when lifting heavy objects, with any load on the legs.

Symptoms of the disease

Symptoms can be very pronounced or almost imperceptible:

1. Attacks of pain of varying intensity during stress on a particular tendon, despite the fact that other movements do not cause pain.
2. Hyperthermia and redness of the skin at the site of inflammation.
3. Crunching and popping sounds in the tendon that can be heard with or without a stethoscope.
4. Pain in the lower part of the leg can be felt by palpation.
5. Often, tendonitis begins to develop due to the inflammatory process of the nerve trunks.
6. Swelling and swelling of the tendon tissue and lower leg.
7. When pressing on the heel and when bending the foot, discomfort is felt.

Uncomfortable or high-heeled shoes significantly increase symptoms, worsening the patient's condition. The pain is much stronger when walking or trying to stand on your toes. After a long period of immobility of the legs, swelling of the Achilles tendon and swelling of the skin occurs, this leads to increased discomfort and the inability to get out of bed in the morning.

If the disease has become chronic, then such symptoms will be permanent.

What are the causes of the disease?

Tendonitis is the result of frequent trauma or severe physical stress on the foot and lower leg muscles. Inflammation can spread to one tendon or several at once. Most often, the ligament that connects the triceps muscle to the bone of the foot is subject to degenerative processes.

What are the most common causes of foot tendinitis:

1. Excessive physical activity. This disease most often occurs in professional runners. After all, the goal of this sport is to run the fastest, and for this you need to strain your body as much as possible, subject it to heavy loads, especially your feet. Therefore, very often a dislocation of the foot bone or simply damage occurs, but this is fraught with the development of inflammation, which in turn can lead to serious degenerative processes in the tissues of the joint.
2. Mechanical damage. Under certain conditions, injury to the fibers of the joints and their nerve endings occurs. Therefore, any blow, or one that, at first glance, is completely harmless and does not carry any serious consequences, can cause the development of tendinitis of the tendons of the foot, as a result of which changes occur in the structure and chemical composition of the cartilage and tendon tissue.
3. Metabolic disorder. If metabolism is incorrect, too little calcium reaches the tibia and tibia bones. And it is very necessary for the normal functioning of the feet. For this reason, growths form on the bones, they interfere with the natural movement and correct bending of the feet.
4. Age-related changes. Older people are more likely than others to suffer from structural changes in bones and joints. As one approaches old age, destruction of bone tissue and cartilage is noted, with no exception the muscles and cartilage of the foot and lower leg. This process can be prevented by timely initiation of taking special vitamins and minerals to maintain tissue structure.
5. Infection in the joints. Bacteria can develop in the tendons, causing the tissue to become inflamed. As a result of this process, ankle tendonitis may also develop.
6. Developmental pathologies in the skeleton. The patient may suffer from pathological natural or acquired changes. If one leg is shorter than the other, microcracks can form on the bones, which also leads to tendinitis.
7. Side effects of some potent drugs. Drug substances can leave salts on the bones, which turn into growths. Other medications include components that have a destructive effect on the cartilage and bone tissue of the feet.

There are some other reasons for the development of the disease. The attending doctor will identify them.

Types of tendinitis

Tendonitis is divided into two types based on the location of inflammation:

1. Tendinitis of the heel or Achilles tendon. This type is characterized by redness and increased sensitivity of the skin in the ankle area, which can be seen in the photo. The patient may experience swelling and decreased ability to move. The pain becomes much worse when performing any movements.
2. Tibialis posterior tendinitis. This type is characterized by inflammation in the tendon of the tibialis posterior muscle, which is located in the lower leg and ankle.

In addition, ankle tendinitis can be acute or chronic. The acute form, in turn, can be purulent and putrefactive, and the chronic stage of tendonitis of the foot tendons can be fibrous and ossifying.

Treatment options

Milder, non-surgical treatment methods will be appropriate if the doctor has determined only a sprain of the tissues and ligaments of the foot.

The treatment for foot tendinitis is:

Surgical treatment of ankle tendinitis is prescribed only if complex therapy is ineffective. During the operation, damaged tissue areas are sutured, and dead and severely deformed areas are completely removed. Rarely do they end up with plastic surgery of these zones.

Alternative medicine

Tendonitis can also be treated using non-traditional methods. Traditional medicine recipes are effective for relieving inflammation and pain. Therefore, for faster recovery, it is recommended to regularly add turmeric to dishes during cooking.

An infusion of ginger root and sarsaparilla gives good results. The product is taken three times a day, 1 tsp. The root and herb are crushed and poured with boiling water, left to brew, then filtered and consumed.

Walnuts are a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. A small handful of walnut partitions is poured with 500 ml of vodka and left to saturate for 2 weeks. This drug is taken 1 tsp. twice a day.

Tendinitis of the foot (the location of the tendons is indicated in the photo) is an inflammatory disease, the pathogenesis of which consists of degenerative changes in the tendon apparatus that provides movement in the ankle joint. With a late start of the therapeutic course, the disease becomes chronic, and the risk of severe complications (tenosynovitis, tendinosis, and others) increases.

The inflammatory process with tendonitis can cause destruction of the structure of tendons and ligaments, including necrotic changes. This leads to complete loss of mobility in the ankle and disability.

Types of pathological process

The foot is fixed in one position or another and performs its functions thanks to certain leg muscles, namely:

• triceps surae muscle;
• posterior tibial;
• plantar;
• extensor hallucis longus;
• tibialis anterior muscle;
• extensor toes longus;
• third peroneal muscle.

The inflammatory process can occur in the tendon apparatus of one of the listed muscles, or in several, and sometimes in all of them at the same time.

The localization of the source of inflammation determines the types of tendonitis. The most common forms of pathology are:

• Achilles tendonitis. The inflammatory process is localized in the ligaments that provide attachment of the triceps muscle to the surface of the heel bone.
• Tibialis posterior tendonitis. The pathology affects the tendons located on the ankle and lower leg.

Toe extensor tendinitis and plantaris tendonitis are somewhat less common.

Based on the clinical features of the disease, tendinitis can be of the following types:

• acute (aseptic or purulent);
• chronic (fibrous or ossifying).

Etiopathogenesis of tendinitis

Ankle tendinitis most often develops under the influence of several etiological factors. You can study them in more detail in the table below.

The above reasons, either alone or in combination, can activate the inflammatory process in the tendon-ligament structures of the foot.

Clinical symptoms of ankle tendinitis

The inflammatory process affecting the tendons has an acute onset and intense manifestations.

If foot tendinitis is diagnosed, the patient will experience the following symptoms:

• Sharp pain at the site of inflammation, especially in the acute phase. The intensity of the pain syndrome can vary: sometimes pain is felt with a light touch, and in other cases - only when moving the ankle. Chronicity of the process is accompanied by constant aching pain.
• The appearance of pain in the lower leg area. The symptom is caused by an increase in the load on this part of the limb with a decrease in the functionality of the foot.
• Redness of the skin over the site of inflammation.
• Swelling of the ankle and lower leg area.
• Crepitation, that is, a crunching sound at the site of inflammation. The doctor records this symptom using a phonendoscope.

When tendonitis is accompanied by tendon rupture, the clinical symptoms are accompanied by the formation of a hematoma, gradually increasing in size.

Features of the diagnostic process

Diagnosis of tendinitis involves the use of the following examination methods:

• Detailed history taking, recording of complaints patient when visiting a doctor.
• Examination of the feet, palpation and auscultation of the affected area.
• General clinical blood test. Necessary to confirm existing inflammation.
• Biochemical blood test. Allows you to identify deviations in metabolic processes.
• Examination of affected feet using ultrasound. The method makes it possible to visualize the state of the ankle structures at the site of inflammation.
• Magnetic resonance imaging. MRI is appropriate in situations where there is a need to detail changes in the structure of tendons and ligaments.
• Radiography. Rarely prescribed. Allows you to determine the presence of osteophytes on bone surfaces.

Therapeutic correction of ankle tendon inflammation

Treatment of foot tendinitis requires a comprehensive approach. The list of conservative methods of therapy includes the following measures:

• reducing the load on the foot area (limiting the activity of movements);
• use of immobilizing agents: bandages, bandages;
• drug treatment, including the use of local and systemic anti-inflammatory and combination drugs (Diclo-P, Depos, Indovenol and others);
• physiotherapy, the methods of which will be discussed below;
• physical therapy after the active phase of inflammation subsides;
• course of massage and self-massage according to certain algorithms;
• use of orthopedic correction devices (insoles, shoes).

To relieve the clinical symptoms of traumatic tendonitis, a course of 3–5 physiotherapeutic procedures is sufficient. If the disease is complicated by ligament rupture, treatment will have a longer duration: physical procedures are prescribed at certain intervals for 1–2 months.

The most effective methods of physiotherapy are presented in the table.

This or that method, as well as the duration of the course of physiotherapeutic treatment, is determined by the doctor depending on the characteristics of the clinical case.

An important point in prevention is the dosed nature of the load during sports activities. Before training, a warm-up is required. You should also strengthen your calf muscles. Swimming lessons are great for these purposes.

In addition, any inflammatory pathologies should be treated promptly and measures should be taken to improve immunity.

Weight gain should not be allowed above acceptable limits. Taking any medications should be started only after the recommendations of a specialist.

It is necessary to understand that when diagnosed with foot tendonitis, the symptoms and the prescribed treatment are inextricably linked. It is important to follow all medical prescriptions and not self-medicate. The dosage of medications, the duration of their use, the appropriate method of physical therapy - all this is determined by a specialist. Home treatment may include some traditional methods (approved by a doctor), as well as self-massage with special ointments.

The effectiveness of therapeutic correction and the duration of the recovery period are determined not only by the individual characteristics of the body, but also by strict adherence to all medical prescriptions.

In addition to bone and cartilage elements in the musculoskeletal system, other tissues, such as tendons, can also become inflamed. The main risk factor in this case is injury. The ligaments of the foot bear a colossal load, so injury and inflammation are not that uncommon.

If the tendons become inflamed, they speak of tendinitis. The disease can occur in acute or chronic form, for example, when an injury is left unattended and not treated.

The largest tendon of the foot is the Achilles (calcaneal) tendon; it is damaged more often than others. Its treatment often requires surgery. There are also other smaller tendons in the foot - the digital flexors, tibialis posterior and tibialis anterior.

In the International Classification System, tendinitis and other tendon disorders are included in the group “Soft tissue diseases” (M60-M79) and have different codes, for example:

• M76.6 – achillotendinitis (inflammation of the heel tendon);
• M65.2 – calcific tendinitis caused by the deposition of calcium salts (so-called calcification);
• M76.9 – unspecified enthesopathy of the lower limb;
• M66 – spontaneous rupture of the tendon and synovium.

Reasons for development

The most common factor that provokes tendinitis of the foot is injury or systematic high loads on the muscles of the lower leg and foot. Cartilage, ligaments and tendons are affected, micro-tears appear on them, and salts often settle in places of injury, which only increase friction in the future. This leads to inflammation and pain. This problem is especially relevant for athletes.

Also, the tendons in the foot area can become inflamed due to:

• flat feet;
• arthrosis;
• metabolic diseases (gout, diabetes);
• wearing uncomfortable shoes;
• infections;

Another cause may be Haglund's deformity, a congenital disorder in which an osteophyte (bone growth) is present on the back of the heel just above the Achilles insertion. Due to its constant friction against the tendon and other soft tissues, injury and inflammation occur.

Types of tendinitis

There are many types of tendinitis according to localization; in the foot we can distinguish:

• Inflammation of the heel tendon is localized on the back of the foot and is quite common among people involved in sports or other active activities.
• Tendinitis of the flexor tendons of the toes and tibial muscles is often caused by flat feet, tight shoes, and rheumatoid joint inflammation.
• Calcific tendinitis develops due to the deposition of calcifications in areas of tendon injury. Most often localized in the shoulder area, the foot is less commonly affected. Occurs mainly after the age of 40 years.

Diagnosis and symptoms of inflammation of the tendons of the foot (photo)

First of all, the doctor collects anamnesis (conversation, study of the medical history), visual examination and palpation of the affected foot, and checks the amplitude of its flexion. Already at this stage it is possible to determine the most painful point and suggest where the injury or inflammation is localized.

Symptom! If there is a rupture of tendon fibers, then the foot and lower leg area are swollen, and areas of bruising in the tissue may be visible through the skin. If the swelling is small, then a void (soft dent) may be felt at the site of injury.

X-rays are not very informative regarding tendon damage, but they do reveal the presence of calcifications and bone damage. But ultrasound is used to assess the condition of soft tissues. Even more accurate data is provided by MRI and computed tomography - these methods show areas of tissue layer by layer.

The inflammation is often one-sided - the tendon of the right foot or the left is affected, less often both legs are affected at once. Symptoms of tendonitis are:

• pain of varying severity during use of the damaged tendon;
• discomfort and pain when bending the ankle joint or moving your fingers, trying to stand on your toes and when pressing on the heel bone;
• redness of the skin of the foot and local increase in temperature;
• a slight crunch in the tendon fibers;
• swelling of the foot.

Pain increases after prolonged rest of the limb. When a person begins to move in the morning, the foot at the site of the lesion begins to hurt and swell even more. If tendonitis is advanced, then the symptoms become less pronounced, but are constantly present.

Treatment of inflammation of the calcaneal tendon of the foot and big toe

At the first sign that something is wrong with the foot, you should visit a traumatologist or rheumatologist. After making an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will choose a suitable treatment regimen. In some cases, you can get by with medications, gymnastics and physiotherapeutic procedures, while in others surgery is necessary.

How to treat tendonitis: first steps

Immediately after the injury, if swelling, pain and redness appear, the foot should be immobilized. Immobilization is carried out using a plaster splint, bandage or elastic tight bandage. It is important to ensure complete rest for the leg until you see the doctor.

Helpful advice! To relieve pain in the foot when a tendon in the foot is inflamed or torn, apply an ice pack to the sore area.

Drug treatment with ointments and other means

After examination and diagnosis, antimicrobial drugs are prescribed, if necessary. Drugs from the NSAID group relieve inflammation and pain and are used orally, as well as topically in the form of ointments and injections.

Popular non-steroidal medications for tendinitis:

• Ketoprofen is an NSAID drug, a derivative of propionic acid. It is used in the form of a gel, injection solution, tablets. Effective for relieving post-traumatic pain, for uncomplicated injuries, dislocations, sprains, ruptures of ligaments and tendons.
• Diclofenac – release forms: ointment, gel, solution for intramuscular administration, tablets. Relieves moderate pain, helps reduce inflammatory swelling. Requires careful use in pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
• Meloxicam - prescribed injections or tablets. It is a selective COX-2 inhibitor, which means that when taken, the risk of damage to the gastric mucosa is lower than with COX-1 blockers. Not used during pregnancy and under 15 years of age.

In severe cases, short courses of intra-articular administration of corticosteroid hormones are used (2-4 injections with an interval of 1-2 weeks between them). These drugs are prescribed starting with a minimum dosage, and treatment is carried out under the supervision of a doctor, since GCS have a number of serious side effects.

• with vodka;
• ammonia;
• bischofite;
• saline solution;
• vinegar;
• camphor alcohol.

Valuable advice! To enhance the anti-inflammatory effect, it is useful to eat 1 tsp every day. honey with 1/3 tsp. turmeric powder.

During the period of remission, you can make warm foot baths with herbal decoctions - yarrow, eucalyptus leaves, calamus root, willow bark.

Prognosis and prevention

The sooner you go to the clinic at the first pain in the foot, the better the prognosis. Tendonitis can be successfully treated. Even after surgery to stitch the tendon, the foot is restored, and the person returns to his normal life after 3-4 months.

The prospects are less rosy for inflammation that has become chronic. In this case, fibrous scars and compactions appear, and a larger area of ​​tissue is affected. Treating advanced tendinitis takes longer and is more difficult.

Prevention includes:

• warm-up and stretching before classes, competitions, performances;
• Between workouts there must be a rest of 1-2 days;
• gradual rather than sudden increase in load;
• wearing comfortable shoes with a reliable, stable last;
• detection and treatment of any infections, diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
• use of orthopedic shoes for flat feet.

Useful video

We offer you to watch a fragment of the program “Live Healthy!” about inflammation of the tendons.

Conclusion

The tendon apparatus of the foot in most cases becomes inflamed as a result of traumatic impact. Athletes are most susceptible to this disease. The first signs of tendinitis are pain, swelling, limited flexion and extension of the foot. The main treatment is medication and/or surgery, and during the recovery period physiotherapy, massage and exercise are indicated.