Symptoms

Depending on the degree of injury to the tendon, tendonitis is accompanied by symptoms of varying severity. But in general, the symptoms are the classic signs of inflammation: swelling, redness, heat, pain and loss of function. The swelling can be unilateral or it can affect both ankles.

Pain occurs mainly during movement. If it is a slight tendon inflammation caused by a short-term overloading, it usually only occurs with repeated overloading (for example, during jogging). If the structures are not only slightly irritated and inflamed, but have been torn, for example, by bending the foot, normal walking or even the occurrence is associated with pain.

Furthermore, local pressure pain can occur where the inflamed tendon is located. Furthermore, tendon inflammation at the ankle can lead to so-called “palpable crepitations”. These are perceptible knots on the altered and inflamed tendons, which cause a crunching noise when they rub against each other.

Diagnosis

In case of persistent and recurring pain and swelling of the ankle, a doctor should be consulted. The doctor can make a suspected diagnosis of tendonitis by taking a medical history and examining the swollen and/or painful foot. Furthermore, an inflammation in the body can be detected by elevated inflammation markers in the blood.

An elevated CRP value (C-reactive protein) or BSG value (blood sedimentation rate) indicate the presence of an inflammation.An ultrasound examination can quickly and easily visualize tendon changes and tendon inflammation at the ankle. The tendons and ligaments are not easily visible in an X-ray image. However, pathological changes in the bone, which can be responsible for swelling in the ankle area, can be detected or ruled out. An MRI can be performed to accurately depict a change or inflammation of the tendon and the extent of the tendon injury.

Treatment

The treatment of tendonitis of the ankle depends on how severe the previous injury is. However, treatment of tendonitis is important because the tendons become brittle and can tear if the inflammatory processes continue. In any case, the inflamed tendon should be immobilized.

Furthermore, the affected ankle should be cooled. Until the swelling and pain at the affected ankle have disappeared, any kind of sport that puts strain on the upper ankle or foot should be avoided. If the tendon inflammation persists for a longer period of time and is accompanied by severe pain, so-called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen and diclofenac can be taken for a short time to relieve the inflammation and counteract the pain.

However, as these drugs can cause stomach problems (e.g. inflammation of the lining of the stomach) as a side effect, these drugs should not be taken for long periods. In the case of severe inflammatory changes, glucocorticoids (cortisone) can also be injected by the doctor near the inflamed tendon. However, this should not be repeated, nor should it be injected directly into the inflamed tendon, as there is also a risk of degeneration of the tendon and surrounding structures due to the administration of cortisone.

In the case of serious changes to the tendons, surgery may be necessary to remove thickened tendons. In some cases, however, a complete renewal of the tendon is necessary. In the case of more severe tendon inflammation at the ankle as well as after surgery, physiotherapy (after adequate immobilization), physiotherapy with shock wave therapy and a slow build-up training of the affected muscles should be performed.

If one wishes to alleviate the tendon inflammation of the ankle with homeopathic remedies, five globules should be taken twice a day for two to three weeks, depending on the symptoms, regardless of the medication to be taken. It should also be remembered that homeopathic treatment is only recommended in cases of overstrain, where the tendons have not been further injured or torn or as an accompanying therapy. For example, in case of a certain stiffness and painfulness during movement Causticum C7 can be taken.

Ledum palustre C5 is especially recommended for tendon inflammation of the ankle or ankle joint. Taking Arnica montana can also help to alleviate the symptoms of tendonitis at the ankle. If the reason for the tendon inflammation is a sprain, taking Ruta graveolens can help in healing.

Since the severity of the tendonitis in the ankle depends on the previous injury to the tendon, the duration of the tendonitis will vary. If the tendon inflammation was caused by a short-term overloading, it can disappear after a few days through cooling and appropriate immobilization. However, care should still be taken to ensure that the tendon is not immediately overstressed again.

If it is a torn or torn tendon, the period until it is free of pain and inflammation can last several months. In some cases, a tendon will be painful again and again when overstressed. In any case, one should make sure that the affected tendon is only strained under pain-free conditions and possibly switch to sports that do not put too much strain on the joints and thus the tendons.

If an operation is necessary, a plaster cast is put on the foot for at least two weeks after the operation. If it is a serious operation, it may be necessary to wear the cast for up to six weeks. After the operation, it can take up to twelve months before the tendon can be fully exercised again.