Symptoms
The characteristic symptom of tendon inflammation in the leg is pain. As mentioned above, this pain most frequently occurs in the area of the lower tibia or the Achilles tendon. If the leg continues to be loaded normally, the pain increases over time.
They occur particularly during movement, although they can be stronger in some movements than in others. If the inflammation is already more advanced, pain can also exist at rest. In addition, the area above the inflamed tendon may be reddened and warmed.
This is not always the case, however. Some patients experience a crunching sensation when moving, which is caused by friction between tendons and tendon sheaths. The swelling that occurs in the course of tendon inflammation often manifests itself as a more or less large bump under the skin.
This is because the tendons curl up in front of or behind the inflamed tendon sheath, as the space in the tendon sheath itself is narrowed by the inflammation. A loss or limitation of function also occurs frequently. Patients are unable to put full weight on the affected leg and often limp in order to spare the leg.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of tendonitis can often be made on the basis of its clinical appearance. The typical locations on the lower tibia or the Achilles tendon are the first indication of the correct diagnosis. In addition, the physical examination can reveal the symptoms of tendonitis described above: Pain, redness, warming, swelling, functional impairment. If the diagnosis cannot be made unequivocally, an ultrasound examination can be used to show tendon or tendon sheath inflammation. If the tendon inflammation is suspected to be due to a bacterial infection or rheumatic disease, a blood test may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Therapy
The most important thing in case of a tendon inflammation of the leg is to spare the leg. In particular, the movements that have led to this tendon inflammation should be avoided and the affected area should be immobilized beyond that. Stabilizing support bandages or bandages are often helpful in this process and can be applied by the doctor or even by yourself.
It is also important to cool the affected area. Especially if the tendon inflammation becomes noticeable by redness and swelling, cooling can alleviate the symptoms.The application of pain and anti-inflammatory ointment is usually the first therapeutic approach in case of tendon inflammation in the leg. Immobilisation of the leg and regular cooling should also be carried out.
The ointment can be applied to the affected area several times a day. Most ointments contain the active ingredient diclofenac (Voltaren®), which has an anti-inflammatory effect. The application of cortisone ointments can also accelerate the healing of tendonitis.
If the application of the ointment does not provide relief from the symptoms, a different treatment approach should be chosen, for example with anti-inflammatory tablets or local injections. There are various homeopathic remedies that can help with tendon inflammation in the leg. They are selected according to the symptoms that occur.
These include Arnica, Apis mellifica, Bryonia and Rhus toxicodendron. The remedies are usually taken in the form of globules in different potencies. However, Arnica can also be used externally. If there is no improvement after a few days despite homeopathic treatment, a doctor should be consulted.