4 Foot and Ankle Tendon Disorders (That Aren’t Achilles Tendonitis)

While Achilles tendonitis might be the most well-known tendon issue affecting the foot and ankle, the complex network of tendons in this area is susceptible to a variety of other disorders. And when these fibrous cords become inflamed, irritated, or even torn, it can lead to significant pain and functional limitations. In today’s post, we at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center will outline 4 distinct tendon disorders and their hallmark symptoms to look for.

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

The posterior tibial tendon runs along the inside of your ankle and foot and plays a pivotal role in supporting your arch. Dysfunction occurs when this tendon becomes inflamed, stretched, or torn.

This is gradual progress that leads to flattening of the arch, often referred to as adult-acquired flatfoot. Overuse, injury, or inflammation from conditions like arthritis are all causes.

How it feels: pain along the inside of the ankle and foot, sometimes with swelling. As it progresses, the arch may flatten, and pain may shift to the outside of the ankle. Difficulty standing on tiptoes is also common.

Peroneal Tendonitis and Tears

The peroneal tendons run along the outside of your ankle and foot and stabilize the ankle.

Peroneal tendonitis involves inflammation of one or both tendons. Tears can occur due to sudden injury or chronic weakening.

Ankle sprains, repetitive ankle stress, and high arches can increase the risk.

How it feels: pain along the outside of the foot or ankle, especially when you push off the outside of the foot. Swelling, tenderness, and a unique snapping sensation might be felt with a tear.

Flexor and Extensor Tendonitis

The flexor and extensor tendons are responsible for bending the toes downward and upward, respectively.

For extensor tendonitis, the tendons along the top of the foot are inflamed. Contributing factors can include wearing tight footwear, direct trauma to the top of the foot, and overuse, particularly in activities that require repetitive lifting of the toes.

How it feels: pain and tenderness along the top of the foot, potentially extending into the toes.

Flexor tendonitis is similar but not quite the same. It's inflammation of the tendons along the bottom of the foot, whether it be the arch or base of the toes. Like extensor tendonitis, it can be caused by the same culprits, but also by shoes that bend excessively or engaging in activities with repetitive toe flexion.

How it feels: arch or toe pain, which tends to worsen with walking or when actively flexing the toes. Tenderness along the path of the flexor tendons is another common symptom.

At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we treat a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are ready to serve our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.