Ankle Tendinitis

Tendinitis of the ankle is caused when the connective tissues in the ankle become inflamed. Tendons connect the muscles of the leg and foot to the ankle bones, anchoring these muscles and making them capable of flexing and extending. The tendons of the ankle consist of the peroneals, anterior tibialis, and Achilles tendon. Any of these tissues can become inflamed and cause pain. There are four different types of tendinitis in the ankle: Achilles tendinitis, Posterior tibialis tendinitis, peroneal tendinitis, and anterior tibialis tendinitis. Treatment is unique to each condition, and only a medical specialist will be able to give an accurate diagnosis after a thorough evaluation is performed.

In a majority of cases, tendinitis is caused by overuse. Ankle tendonitis is commonly caused by:

• Athletic activities that strain the ankle and foot (like soccer and running).
• Work injuries involve repetitive tasks, such as climbing stairs up and down.
• Sudden impact or trauma to the ankle.
• Individuals with pre-existing conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

Your specialist will perform a thorough physical examination, go over your personal and family medical history, and may order testing like an X-ray, CT imaging scan, or Ultrasound to identify the precise underlying cause of your symptoms.

Tenderness and pain directly over the joint are the most common symptoms of ankle tendonitis. Other common symptoms include:

• Pain that may radiate down the foot or up the lower leg
• Burning sensation during activities
• Weakness of the affected area may increase as swelling becomes worse
• Loss of range of motion.

Your symptoms can be exacerbated by strenuous or vigorous types of activity or wearing ill-fitting shoes.