Introduction
A tendon (tendo) consists of connective tissue and represents the connection between muscles and bones. Tendons therefore transfer muscle power to the skeleton so that the body can perform movements. At the inner and outer ankles is the upper ankle joint, which allows the foot to move up (dorsal extension) and down (plantar flexion).
The tendons and ligaments that are necessary to move the ankle joint can become inflamed, which is called tendonitis (tendinitis, tendinosis) or tendosynovitis (tendovaginitis). In addition to the ankle (malleolus), it can occur anywhere where tendons or tendosheaths are located. Inflammation of the tendon at the ankle is often caused by overloading the ankle joint. This overloading can be caused, for example, by excessively demanding sports or by uncomfortable footwear (for example, wearing high shoes). Depending on the degree of inflammation and injury to the tendon, the affected foot or ankle should always be immobilized.
Causes
Inflammation of the tendon at the ankle is often caused by overloading. Such overloading can be caused, for example, by increasing the number of sports units too quickly when jogging. Often, bending the foot at the inner or outer ankle can also cause tendonitis.
A congenital kink-lower foot can also be the cause of recurrent tendonitis at the ankle. Torn to torn tendons as well as degenerative and rheumatic changes in the tendons can also cause tendonitis of the ankle. Degenerative changes are caused, for example, by previous inflammation or injuries to the ankle.
A further trigger for tendon inflammation of the ankle can be an infectious inflammation caused by bacteria. However, this occurs mainly in open wounds, where bacteria have to penetrate deep into the tissue, and is therefore rather rare. If pain and swelling on the inside or outside of the ankle joint occur after exercise, it may be an inflammation of the tendon at the ankle.
This is usually caused by excessive strain on the tendons. However, running shoes should also be checked to see if they meet the requirements of the feet. Furthermore, incorrect foot positions can cause the tendons on the ankle to become inflamed after jogging.
Here, insoles can help to bring the foot into the right position so that renewed tendon inflammation can be prevented. If the tendonitis at the ankle is currently present, a sports break should be taken in any case so that the muscles and tendons can recover. The resumption of training should then also be done slowly as a build-up training with light load, which can be increased slowly. A bandage can also help to stabilize the joint and thus also the tendons and ligaments during jogging.
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