Tendonitis in the ankle | Cause, diagnosis, symptoms, exercises and treatment

Affected by tendon inflammation of the ankle? Here you can learn more about ankle tendinitis, as well as the associated symptoms, causes and various treatments for tendonitis in the ankle. A tendonitis is known in the art as a tendinitis and indicates that there is an injury reaction and inflammation in one or more tendons.

- What exactly are tendons?

Tendons are the structures that attach muscles to bones and joints. These tendons can be damaged and inflamed due to improper loading, lack of function in the pelvis and legs, as well as overloading. We remind you that you will find a link to exercises, as well as a video with exercises, at the very bottom of this article.

Our clinic departments at Vondtklinikkene (click here for a complete overview of our clinics), including in Oslo (Lambert seats) and Viken (Eidsvoll Sound og Raw wood), has a distinctively high level of professional expertise in the investigation, treatment and rehabilitation of ankle injuries and foot pain. Contact us if you want the help of therapists with expertise in these areas.

Follow and like us too Our Facebook page og Our YouTube channel for free, daily health updates, exercise programs and much more. If you have persistent pain and malfunction then we advise you to contact a clinician for examination and any treatment of the problem.

You risk that the condition worsens if you do not address the problem with a combination of home exercises, self-measures (for example trigger point balls that can help increase local circulation for tight muscles Link opens in new window) and professional treatment if the pain is persistent.

In this article we will, among other things, go through:

• Causes
• diagnoses
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Clinical signs
• Exercises (with video)
• Treatment
• Forecast and duration

In this article you will learn more about what may be causing your tendon inflammation of the ankle, as well as various symptoms and treatments for such pain.

Are you wondering something or do you want more of such professional refills? Follow us on our Facebook page «Vondt.net - We relieve your pain»Or Our Youtube channel (opens in new link) for daily good advice and useful health information.

Cause and diagnosis: Why do I have tendonitis in the ankle?

There may be several causes and diagnoses of tendonitis in the ankle. In this section of the article we will go through some of them.

Causes of tendonitis in the ankle

Tendonitis of the ankle is caused by repetitive strain on the ankle - most often due to overuse in sports or sports, but can also occur due to general overload if you walk a lot on your feet and hard surfaces in connection with work or leisure. It is important to understand that such tendon injuries and tendonitis occur past the load exceeds the capacity.

What happens to the tendon fibers?

With prolonged failure loads, micro-tears (small damage) occur in the tendon which gradually grows larger and larger as the overload continues. When the body tries to repair this, inflammation and fluid accumulation occurs in and around the tendon itself. This also leads to the formation of damage tissue in the area - a form of soft tissue that is both weaker and more pain-sensitive than the normal muscle and tendon tissue. Over time, the tears in the tendon will lead to it gradually becoming weaker and weaker - which in turn increases the risk of a tendon rupture occurring in the affected tendon (partial or complete tearing).

Common causes and contributing factors to this tendonitis include:

• Defects in ankles, knees and hip: Those with inverted knees and flat feet (pes planus) automatically have more strain on the ankles and tendons in the ankle due to their anatomical structure. For example, a normal arch will help to dampen shock loads (in fact, as much as 26% of the shock absorption comes from the arch of the foot) and thus prevent excessive pressure on the ankles and knees. A person with flat feet does not have this cushioning - and thus they have a higher chance of being affected by tendonitis in the ankle.

• Not enough breaks or heating: Increasing the distance and frequency of the jog before the ankles have become accustomed to this is not a particularly good idea - it can lead to the gradual build-up of minor injuries that do not have time to heal themselves before the next session. Thus, there is a gradual increase in irritation in the affected ankles and we eventually end up with a tendon injury or inflammation.

• Lack of capacity in hip and cushioning muscles: Exercise and strengthening of the hip muscles is directly linked to shock absorption for sore ankles and knees. But maybe you, like many others, have been a little bad at training your hips? Well, then just get started now - give it a try these exercises here already today.

• Overweight: Both ankles and knees are some of our most weight-bearing joints. Then it is inevitable that obesity is a factor that is strongly linked to a higher incidence of tendonitis and tendon injuries. Weight loss will be followed by fatigue and constant tiredness - and diet plus exercise is the key to achieving this. Contact your doctor if you find it difficult to lose weight.

• Tight leg muscles and muscular imbalance: We have mentioned earlier in the article how one structure affects another - and vice versa. Lack of function in the ankles and knees can, paradoxically, both lead to and be caused by tight calf muscles. It is therefore important to think holistically in the form of the training you do and the treatment you may receive for your ailments.

Also read: - 10 Exercises for Bad Hips

Strengthening the hip muscles is an essential part of relieving sore ankles and increasing their functionality.

Symptoms of tendonitis in the ankle

There are several symptoms and clinical signs that may indicate that you have a tendonitis in the ankle. Some of the most characteristic symptoms involve pain and pressure on the outside or front of the ankle. Other symptoms may include:

• Possible associated swelling on the front or outside of the ankle.
• Pain that gets worse when you put on your ankle.
• Ankle aching at night.
• Changed gait and possible stance (for heavy variants)
• Significantly reduced functionality in the form of less movement and strength.

Tendonitis tends to get worse if you do nothing about it. As the tendon fibers become weaker and more irritated, the symptoms will increase and worsen. At the beginning of the problem, you may only experience pain when doing sports or similar loads - but as the condition worsens, and you do nothing about it, even everyday things like walking up a flight of stairs or lifting your leg can pain in the affected ankle.

Pressure wave treatment is a non-invasive treatment method that breaks down tendon tissue and initiates a natural healing response that both heals and strengthens the tendon fibers. The treatment is performed by publicly authorized health personnel with expertise in muscles and joints - in Norway it involves the three professions; chiropractor, physiotherapist and manual therapist.

Also read: - Have You Tried Pressure Wave Therapy?

Diagnosis of tendonitis in the ankle

When you visit a clinician - such as a modern chiropractor or physiotherapist - he or she will first carry out a history examination (anamnesis) and then perform a functional examination. This may involve questions about:

• Your activity level
• What kind of symptoms are bothering you
• When the symptoms are most present
• What relieves the pain

The functional examination involves a physical examination of the ankle, where the clinician goes through movement in both active and passive movement. A modern, publicly licensed clinician can also, with orthopedic tests, provide you with information on what is the most likely cause of a tendon or tendon injury.

If there is suspicion of tendon injury or that the functional examination points to a more serious involvement of bone injury, fracture or the like, then imaging can be requested. Both doctor and chiropractor have the right to be referred to such imaging examinations - such as X-rays, MRI, CT and diagnostic ultrasound.

Also read: - 7 Symptoms of Fibromyalgia in Women

Complications of Chronic Tendonitis in the Ankle

If you do not consult a clinician for measures and treatment - and you have felt that the condition only worsens over time - then you risk that the tendonitis and the extent of the damage will be far more extensive than it should have been. This means much more self-care and treatment than would have been necessary if you had addressed the problem a little earlier.

This means that you can expect a long and hard treatment regimen in combination with a rigorous exercise program if you have let it go too far. Many people find it difficult to get routine in training - and it is true that it can be difficult, but it is about making priorities. A few sessions each week can ensure that the problem does not last long and that this is something you will be bothered with for the rest of your life.

It is important to remember that you do not have to be an athlete to gradually break down and injure the tendons in the ankle - this is something we can all achieve with repetitive strain and lack of consideration. Address the problem today.

Also read: - This You Should Know About Rectal Cancer

Treatment of tendonitis in the ankle

Treatment will vary somewhat depending on the extent of tendon injury and tendon inflammation. All treatment should have as its main purpose that it stimulates healing and promotes improved functionality. For tendon damage and tendon inflammation is our clear main recommendation Shockwave Therapy.

Conservative treatment

• Physiotherapy: The purpose of physical therapy and exercise is to reduce pain and unnecessary inflammation, as well as strengthen the hip, thighs and ankle muscles.

• Modern Chiropractic: A modern chiropractor works with muscles, tendons and joints. Considering that the back, pelvis and hip often go hand in hand - as mentioned earlier in the article - it is often seen that joint treatment plays a central role in restoring normal function in the ankle. This occupational group also has the right to refer to imaging if there is a need for this.

• Shockwave therapy: Studies have shown significant effect of pressure wave therapy in the treatment of tendon inflammation of the ankle (1). The treatment should be performed by an authorized healthcare professional - such as a physiotherapist or modern chiropractor.

• Dry needling (needle treatment): Intramuscular needle therapy aims to reduce pain and initiate an increased healing response in the treated area. Research has shown that the repair response can be enhanced for 24 to 72 hours after treatment.

Invasive treatment

• Cortisone Injection: A cortical injection can relieve the pain, but as documented by the acclaimed Mayo Clinic, this is also a form of treatment that results in weaker tendon fibers and a higher risk of the tendon smoking later. So other treatment should be tested for the longest time before considering this measure.

• Operation: Arthroscopy is the most commonly used surgical method for this type of ankle pain. As mentioned, this type of procedure should be avoided if it is not absolutely necessary due to the risk of late injuries and lifelong scar tissue formation. Many people experience more frequent relapses after surgery and that the pain, when they return, is often significantly worse than it was before.

Also read: - Therefore you should Avoid Cortisone Injection

The prognosis of tendonitis in the ankle

As we have said earlier in the article - tendonitis has a tired tendency to get worse and worse if one does not address the problem. With early measures, you have a very good chance of being completely well again - but if you ignore it, then it will require significantly more effort and treatment.

Especially three points are important to minimize the healing period:

• weight Reduction
• Customized rehabilitation training
• Proper treatment

However, it is generally said that the mildest variants can take about 3 weeks (with proper treatment and measures) to get well. More severe cases can take as long as 6 to 8 months. Some of the more serious cases never get well and end up chronic. As mentioned earlier, this is a diagnosis that can put an end to even the most promising sports career. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you consult a clinician if you experience such symptoms.

Exercises against tendonitis in the ankle (Video)

We have mentioned how the hip muscles directly help to relieve sore knees and ankles - so therefore it is very important that you train your hip muscles so that these can contribute to less overload against the ankles.

 Feel free to subscribe Our YouTube channel (click here) for free health knowledge and exercise programs.

Also read: - Rheumatism and Weather Cover: How Rheumatists Are Affected by the Weather

Summarizeringing

Ankle pain - like any other pain should be taken seriously. If you continue in the same track as before, there is rather little chance that your tendon fibers will be healed - on the contrary. Deterioration in the condition of the tendons will also result in increased incidence and intensity of tendonitis and tendon injuries - something no one wants. Ankle pain also often comes with altered gait and limping when it is really at its worst, which can result in sore knees and back due to compensation mechanisms.

In the link below you will find some exercises that you can try - but we therefore recommend that you get an adapted exercise program adapted to you and your symptoms via a modern clinician.

Also read: - 10 Strength Exercises Against Bad Hips

Click on the picture above to see the exercises.

Do you have questions about the article or do you need any more tips? Ask us directly through our facebook page or via the comment box below.

Recommended self-help and self-help measures

Reusable Gel Combination Gasket (Heat & Cold Gasket)

Heat can increase blood circulation to tight and sore muscles - but in other situations, with more acute pain, cooling is recommended, as it reduces the transmission of pain signals. Due to the fact that these can also be used as a cold pack to calm down swelling, we recommend these.

Read more here (opens in new window): Reusable Gel Combination Gasket (Heat & Cold Gasket)

Set of 5x trigger point balls

Trigger point balls are used by laying the ball so that it hits well into the aching muscle or tendon. This, like physical treatment, will lead to increased blood circulation and healing in tight and sore muscle fibers. A very good measure for those who like to tackle problems on their own.

Read more here (opens in new window): Set of 5x trigger point balls

- Pain clinics: Our clinics and therapists are ready to help you

Click on the link below to see an overview of our clinic departments. At Vondtklinikkene Tverrfaglig Helse, we offer assessment, treatment and rehabilitation training, for, among other things, muscle diagnoses, joint conditions, nerve pain and tendon disorders. With us, it is always the patient who is most important - and we look forward to helping you.

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