Foot tendonitis, also known as tendinitis, is inflammation or irritation of a tendon in the foot. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. The most common tendons affected by foot tendonitis are the Achilles, peroneal, extensor, and posterior tibial tendons. Foot tendonitis is usually caused by overuse, but it can also result from an injury. The condition can develop over time when you put repeated stress on the tendons in your foot, but it can also happen suddenly if you overstretch the tendon, over-rotate your ankle, or use improper technique when running, jumping, or playing sports.

Symptoms of foot tendonitis typically include pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly noticeable in the morning. The affected tendon may be swollen and warm and painful to touch or move. You may have trouble standing on tiptoe or finding shoes that fit comfortably. Pain is the first sign of foot or ankle tendonitis, and it typically lessens over time but then resurfaces the longer you spend on the foot or ankle.

Foot or ankle tendonitis is diagnosed under the care of your primary care provider, podiatrist, orthopedist, or sports medicine physician. The physician will do a full physical exam and take your medical history. Your physician may order an x-ray or MRI to determine if the injury is more severe. Most people don’t need surgery for foot tendonitis. But your healthcare provider may recommend surgery if your injury hasn’t improved after six months of nonsurgical treatments.

Treatments for foot tendonitis range from rest, injections to surgery[[2]](http...