Rec Center Physical Therapy

Aches or Pains limiting your daily activities in life?

Physical Therapists have the most specialized education to improve quality of life without surgery or prescription drugs.

Consider our expert care at Rec Center Physical Therapy as your first line of defense to address any limitations you may be experiencing.

Your First Visit

• Allow at least 1 hour for the first visit
• Child care available
• Arrive 10-15 minutes early
• Bring insurance card and doctor's referral/order if applicable
• All patients under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult
• Front row parking is available for our patients (next to handicapped parking)
• Bring or wear comfortable clothing to allow accessible treatment for your evaluation. (clinic may also provide you with clothing)

Tendonitis of the foot or ankle

Definition

Tendons are the tissue that connects muscles to bones. The word part "-itis" means inflammation. Tendonitis means a tendon is inflamed. Inflammation most frequently occurs as a result of overuse or excess strain.

Mechanism of Injury

Any tendon can develop tendonitis, but two tend to develop the problem more frequently. The "Achilles" or gastrocnemius tendon is at the bottom of the calf and connects to the heel. Another tendon that can commonly become inflamed is the tendon of the Tibialis Posterior. This muscle is on the inside (medial) aspect of the shin and foot, and it works to lift and stabilize the arch. One-time high impact, or repetitive impact such as with jumping or long distance running, especially if one has poor alignment in the foot or a tight muscle or ankle joint, frequently cause inflammation of these tendons.

Symptoms

• Pain in the back of the heel (Achilles)
• Pain along the lower inside shin, along the inside of the foot or behind the inside ankle bone. (Tibialis Posterior)
• Pain with walking or impact activities (jumping or running)
• Pain to the touch
• Sometimes swelling around the irritated tendon

Physical Therapy Intervention

Physical therapists can use modalities (tools) to decrease pain and inflammation, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and iontophoresis (medication delivery through the skin without a needle.) Therapists will also assess the position and function of the foot and leg to correct the cause of the problem, and prescribe specialized exercises and stretching to improve function. Sometmes over-the-counter or custom foot orthotics will help decrease the cause of the tendonitis. Physical therapy maximizes recovery in a shorter time to return patients to the activities that they like to do!