Tendonitis in the foot is a common injury, especially among runners. The good news is that there are several effective treatments other than the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) to achieve relief from symptoms and heal from the injury.
Here are some of the best treatments for tendonitis in the foot. They can be very beneficial, especially when used in conjunction with the RICE method.
1. Foam Rolling
Foam rolling is a great way to help relieve foot tendonitis. It helps to massage the muscles and tendons in your feet, which can help reduce pain and inflammation. Start by placing a foam roller under your feet and slowly rolling it back and forth. You can also try different exercises on the foam roller to help stretch and strengthen the muscles in your feet.
2. Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can be very beneficial for treating foot tendonitis. The therapist will use different techniques to massage the affected area, which can help reduce inflammation and pain. Massage can also help improve blood circulation and flexibility in the foot, which can aid in recovery.
3. Stretching Exercises
Gently stretching the muscles and tendons around the injured area will help to keep them loose and prevent further irritation or inflammation. Be sure not to overdo it though, as too much stretching can actually make things worse. Try holding each stretch for 20-30 seconds before slowly releasing it. Repeat 2-3 times per day as needed or tolerated by your body.
4. Heat Therapy
Applying heat (via heating pad, warm towel, etc.) dilates blood vessels, which helps improve circulation and promotes healing. Heat therapy should be used after any swelling has gone down from the initial injury/inflammation period. Typically, this means 3-5 days after the onset of symptoms for most people.
5. Physical Therapy Exercises
A physical therapist can design specific exercises tailored towards improving your particular case of tendonitis in the foot; these may include a range of motion exercises, strength training, flexibility work, balance training, etc. A physical therapist can create a program individualized to you to help with tendonitis to increase the chances of a successful outcome.
6. Casting
Orthopedic casting can help tendonitis in the foot by immobilizing the affected area and allowing it to heal undisturbed. This type of treatment is often used for more severe cases of tendonitis, where rest and icing are not enough to relieve symptoms. Casting can also help prevent re-injury by keeping the foot from moving too much.
7. Custom Orthotics
If you have tendonitis in the foot, custom orthotics can provide the support and cushioning you need to reduce pain and speed up healing. Orthotics are designed to fit your feet specifically, so they will be more comfortable and effective than over-the-counter options. In addition, orthotics can help prevent future injuries by providing support for weak or unstable areas of the foot. Custom orthotics are available at the podiatrist’s clinic.
8. Cortisone Injections
Cortisone injections are a common and effective treatment for tendonitis in the foot. The cortisone helps to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected area. The injection is usually given into the sheath that surrounds the tendon, or directly into the tendon itself. Cortisone injections can only be given by a doctor.
Tendonitis Treatment in Cincinnati, OH
The podiatrists at Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care offer many treatments for stubborn cases of tendonitis in the foot. In most cases, tendonitis can resolve without surgery, however, if necessary, our doctors perform surgery with great success.
We combine specialized knowledge and years of training to provide you with the best foot and ankle treatments in Cincinnati. To schedule an appointment with one of our foot and ankle doctors, call our office nearest you or use our convenient online request form.
