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What Problems Affect Ankle Tendons?

Amanda Barnhart
Amanda Barnhart

Ankle tendon problems often result from injury, though the tendons can weaken over time and cause problems as well. The most common problems that affect ankle tendons are inflammation, tears, and ruptures. The Achilles tendon, which connects the heel and calf muscle; the peroneal tendons along the outside of the lower leg; and the posterior tibial tendon attached to the back of the shin bone are those most commonly affected by ankle injury and other problems.

Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon. Inflammation is often a result of repetitive movement, such as running or jumping. Swelling may or may not be noticeable on the outside of the ankle, and it does not always cause pain. Tendinitis is often a precursor to other problems with the ankle tendons, however, so people with it should refrain from activities that stress the ankles until the tendon is healed.

Common problems with the Achilles tendon.
Common problems with the Achilles tendon.

Ankle tendons can tear, which can result in pain and loss of strength in the ankle. Microtears in the tendons results in a condition caused tendinosis, which is usually a result of overuse of the ankle. This condition is often found in individuals with tendinitis. These small tears usually come on slowly and gradually, and people with tendinosis may not experience any symptoms. Over time, these small tears can lead to a larger partial tear or a complete rupture of the tendon.

Repetitive movement like running can cause tendinitis.
Repetitive movement like running can cause tendinitis.

Partially torn or ruptured ankle tendons are more likely to cause pain and weakness. The pain may be persistent, but it is often only noticeable when walking, running, or twisting the ankle. Doctors use x-rays to diagnose tears, ruptures, and other ankle tendon problems. In many cases, ice, rest, immobilization, and medication for pain and swelling is all that is needed for an ankle tendon to heal properly.

Excessive supination or pronation can stretch the tendons, making them unstable.
Excessive supination or pronation can stretch the tendons, making them unstable.

Ankle bursitis can result in swelling, pain, and difficulty moving and walking. Bursitis occurs when a sac between the tendon and a bone swells. Infections, arthritis, gout, and repetitive pressure on the ankle are the most common causes for ankle bursitis. Treatment usually involves alternating ice and heat, and may include antibiotics and other treatments for underlying conditions that may have contributed to the bursitis.

Overuse of the ankle can cause tendonosis, which is tiny tears in the tendons of the ankle.
Overuse of the ankle can cause tendonosis, which is tiny tears in the tendons of the ankle.

Surgery to correct problems with ankle tendons is usually only necessary in cases of extreme injury, such as a tear that cuts through the entire tendon. Surgeons can open up the ankle to surgically repair the tendon. Sometimes a doctor may remove tissue from around the tendon, which may be causing irritation.

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    • Common problems with the Achilles tendon.
      By: Alila
      Common problems with the Achilles tendon.
    • Repetitive movement like running can cause tendinitis.
      By: Martinan
      Repetitive movement like running can cause tendinitis.
    • Excessive supination or pronation can stretch the tendons, making them unstable.
      By: GVictoria
      Excessive supination or pronation can stretch the tendons, making them unstable.
    • Overuse of the ankle can cause tendonosis, which is tiny tears in the tendons of the ankle.
      By: Dirima
      Overuse of the ankle can cause tendonosis, which is tiny tears in the tendons of the ankle.
    • A proper diagnosis by a medical doctor is often needed to treat ankle pain, such as that caused by inflammation, tears or ruptures of the ankle tendons.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      A proper diagnosis by a medical doctor is often needed to treat ankle pain, such as that caused by inflammation, tears or ruptures of the ankle tendons.