Tendonitis
TENDON PAIN & OVERUSE
Tendonitis is irritation of a tendon that can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, or weakness around the foot or ankle. Symptoms often develop after overuse, a sudden activity increase, poor mechanics, or injury. Evaluation helps identify the tendon involved and guide recovery.
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Tenderness, swelling, or stiffness
- Symptoms after overuse or injury
- Care depends on tendon and severity
Evaluation & Next Steps
- Clear severity assessment and next steps
- Supportive care and recovery guidance
- Care across 4 Las Vegas locations
Call: (702) 703-4340
Hours: Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm
On this page
Quick Summary
Key takeaway: Tendonitis can affect tendons around the foot and ankle, causing pain with movement, swelling, stiffness, or recurring irritation. Early evaluation can help reduce strain and prevent symptoms from becoming harder to manage.
Care usually focuses on identifying the affected tendon, reducing irritation, improving support, restoring strength and flexibility, and deciding whether imaging or additional treatment is needed.
Overview
What is Tendonitis?
Tendonitis happens when a tendon becomes irritated, inflamed, or overloaded. In the foot and ankle, it may involve tendons that support walking, balance, push-off, arch control, or side-to-side ankle stability.
Why Evaluation Matters
Different tendons require different care. Evaluation helps determine whether symptoms are from overuse, strain, mechanics, footwear, tendon weakness, or a more significant injury that needs closer management.
Symptoms
Tendonitis symptoms often build gradually, but they can also flare after a sudden increase in activity or a specific injury. Pain may worsen with walking, exercise, stairs, or certain foot and ankle movements.
Activity-Related Pain
Aching, burning, or sharp pain may worsen during walking, running, stairs, or push-off.
Tenderness or Swelling
The tendon area may feel sore to touch, swollen, warm, or irritated after activity.
Stiffness or Weakness
Stiffness, tightness, or weakness may make movement, balance, or walking feel harder.
Pain That Keeps Returning
Symptoms may improve with rest but return when activity increases again.
Seek care now if…
Seek prompt evaluation if pain follows a sudden pop, you cannot bear weight, swelling is severe, weakness is worsening, or symptoms are not improving with rest and support.
Causes & Risk Factors
Tendonitis often develops when a tendon is overloaded repeatedly or asked to work harder than it can tolerate. Foot structure, activity changes, footwear, and prior injury can all contribute.
Common Causes
- Repetitive walking, running, or sports
- Sudden activity increase
- Tight calf or foot mechanics
- Poor footwear or support
- Prior tendon strain or injury
The specific cause depends on which tendon is irritated and whether the problem is related to overuse, mechanics, injury, or underlying foot and ankle alignment.
Risk Factors
- Prior foot or ankle injury
- Flat feet or high arches
- Running or court sports
- Unsupportive shoes
- Tight calves or limited mobility
- Age-related tendon changes
- Diabetes or inflammatory conditions
Diagnosis
Diagnosis focuses on the location of pain, the tendon involved, activity history, strength, flexibility, and whether symptoms suggest irritation, strain, or a more significant tendon injury.
Typical Evaluation
- Symptom and activity review
- Tenderness and swelling check
- Range-of-motion testing
- Strength and balance assessment
- Imaging when needed
What to Bring
- When symptoms started
- Activities that worsen pain
- Shoes or inserts used
- Prior foot or ankle injuries
- Treatment goals
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the tendon involved, symptom severity, activity demands, foot mechanics, and whether there are signs of weakness, tearing, or recurring overload.
Related care: Treatment planning may include activity modification, bracing, shoe or orthotic support, rehabilitation, imaging review, or surgical discussion when tendon injury is severe.
Early Care
- Activity modification
- Ice and elevation
- Footwear review
- Inflammation control
Bracing / Immobilization
- Ankle brace or support
- Walking boot when needed
- Tendon rest
- Reduced strain
Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
- Stretching plan
- Strengthening exercises
- Balance training
- Gradual return to activity
Additional Evaluation
- Persistent pain
- Weakness or limping
- Severe swelling
- Concern for tendon tear
Recovery
Recovery depends on the tendon involved, how long symptoms have been present, activity demands, and whether the tendon needs rest, bracing, rehabilitation, or additional evaluation.
What Helps Most
- Load reduction: Reduce activities that keep irritating the tendon.
- Support: Use bracing, shoe changes, or inserts when recommended.
- Stretching: Improve flexibility without forcing painful movement.
- Strengthening: Rebuild tendon tolerance gradually.
- Activity progression: Return to walking or sports in stages.
When to Follow Up
- Pain persists: Symptoms are not improving with rest and support.
- Weakness develops: Push-off, balance, or walking strength is reduced.
- Swelling worsens: The tendon area becomes more swollen or tender.
- Pain returns quickly: Symptoms flare whenever activity increases.
- A pop occurred: Sudden pain or weakness may need urgent evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tendonitis may cause aching, burning, tenderness, swelling, stiffness, or pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
Common causes include overuse, sudden activity changes, poor footwear, tight muscles, foot mechanics, prior injury, or repetitive sports and walking strain.
Many cases improve with activity modification, support, bracing, stretching, strengthening, and time. More persistent or severe symptoms may need additional evaluation.
You should be evaluated if pain is worsening, swelling is significant, symptoms keep returning, you are limping, or you felt a sudden pop or weakness.
Diagnosis may include a symptom review, physical exam, strength and flexibility testing, gait or footwear review, and imaging when a tear or other problem is suspected.
Recovery varies by tendon, severity, and activity level. Mild irritation may improve with early care, while chronic or severe tendon problems can take longer and may need structured rehabilitation.
Locations
LVVIS offers vein evaluation and treatment planning at multiple Las Vegas locations. Choose the office that is most convenient when scheduling your visit.
LVVIS West Side Consultation Office
8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148
Consultations and vascular evaluations
LV2 Limb & Vascular Division
8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148
Limb preservation and podiatry partnership care
LVVIS East Procedure Office
2250 E Flamingo Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Procedures, diagnostics, and circulatory care
LVVIS West Side Surgical Center
6120 S Fort Apache Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89148
Advanced vascular and interventional procedures