6 Effective Treatments for Tendon Disorders

You like to walk and run without pain, right?

If you’re dealing with a tendon disorder in your ankles or feet, you’re likely experiencing pain, a limited range of motion, and limited mobility and flexibility. These disorders occur when the flexible tissues that connect muscle to bone (tendons) are damaged.

Tendon problems can occur due to injury or repetitive stress.

Tendon disorders include tendinitis (inflammation), subluxation (partial dislocation), or tears. Tendons affected include:

• Peroneal tendons: outside of the ankle bone, they stabilize your foot and ankle
• Anterior tibial tendons: help lift your foot when you’re walking
• Posterior tibial tendons: support the arch of your foot

At Austin Foot & Ankle Institute, Dr. Pedro Cosculluela expertly diagnoses and treats tendon disorders. Here are six treatments for tendon disorders he typically recommends:

1. RICE

That stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Pause activities that increase pain or swelling, ice the injured area (up to 20 minutes a few times a day), wrap the swollen area with an elastic bandage, and prop your foot above the level of your heart to keep swelling down.

2. Immobilization

Keeping the injured area from moving increases the speed of the healing process. That probably requires a brace, splint, or boot, depending on the location of the problem.

3. Anti-inflammatory medications

Keeping inflammation and swelling down is an essential part of healing. Medications can help accomplish this goal, including ibuprofen (over-the-counter) and steroids (prescription).

4. Custom orthotics

Custom-made orthotics can reduce the strain and stress on specific tendons, giving them a chance to heal. The orthotics change your natural foot position (which may cause undue stress on your tendons) to a position that relieves the pressure.

5. Physical therapy

A physical therapy regimen can help strengthen your tendons and muscles while restoring your range of motion and mobility. Eccentric loading or strengthening is one effective technique to improve the condition of your tendons and muscles.

6. Surgery

Surgery is usually the treatment of last resort after more conservative treatments have failed. It can also be necessary in the case of an acute injury that leaves the tendon completely torn from the bone.

If you think you have a tendon disorder, don’t let pain and limited mobility keep you from living your life. Austin Foot & Ankle can help you get back to normal. Schedule a visit by calling our Austin or Bee Cave, Texas, office, or request your appointment online today.