Healing time
The duration of tendonitis depends on the underlying cause. In the case of acute inflammation due to overloading, short-term immobilization and cooling can lead to healing within a few days. It is important, however, that you do not immediately start again at 100%, but slowly return to the original strain.
In case of chronic inflammation due to infection or immunological reaction, healing can take several weeks to months. Painless or inflammation-free intervals can also occur. If there is no improvement after several months, surgical treatment can be performed. However, this involves immobilization and subsequent rehabilitation over several months.
Prognosis
In case of an acute inflammation of the tendon, a complete and inconsequential healing can occur within a short time after sufficient rest and cooling. However, if it is a recurring, chronic inflammation, symptoms can continue to occur for months or even years, with increasingly minor strains leading to pain. Possibly an alternative training should be worked out or another kind of sport performed. A further strain on a chronically inflamed tendon can lead to a tear of the tendon, which in turn is associated with a longer healing process. In addition, a loss of function of the tibialis posterior muscle can lead to a flat-foot kink.
Causes of tendonitis
Tendon inflammation in the area of the tibialis posterior tendon can have various causes: The most common is wear of the tendon caused by constant overloading.It is not uncommon and occurs mainly among middle-aged women and young athletes, especially runners. Especially when the calf is under prolonged strain, for example when running uphill or in a marathon, inflammation can occur. Other causes can be overweight and prolonged incorrect loading, for example wearing bad or old running shoes or running on hard ground, of the foot.
Diseases such as a flat foot, which causes weakness of the tibialis posterior muscle, can lead to incorrect loading of the foot and consequently to tendonitis. Furthermore, immunological reactions can also be causes for tendon inflammation. Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout are accompanied by inflammation of tendons, muscles and joints.
They often lead to long-lasting pain and swelling in the muscle area. Finally, tendon inflammation can also be the result of an injury in the area of the leg, for example a torn tendon or broken bones. Bacterial or viral infections are causative only in rare cases.
- Permanent overload
- Weakness of the tibialis posterior muscle
- Immunological reactions
- Injury in the area of the leg
- Bacterial or viral infections
