To understand the role of a tendon, think of it as a connector—tissue that connects muscle to bone. The foot has two s tendons which lie immediately behind the outer ankle bone. The purpose of these tendons is to stabilize the foot. Since these tendons are weaker than the muscle and tendons inside of the ankle, they are often prone to injuries. What causes tendon injury? Tendon injury can result from overuse, improper footwear, misalignment or trauma such as an accident. Tendon injury may occur suddenly or develop overtime and tendon injuries are often found in people who engage in sports that involve repetitive ankle motion. Since a tendon injury may worsen over time and cannot be treated by exercising through it, it is important to see a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Please visit one of BeverlyHillsPhysicians.com Podiatry offices in the following convenient locations: Beverly Hills, Encino, Thousand Oaks, Valencia, Pasadena, Long Beach and Oxnard.

Tendon injury may result in:

Tendonitis: Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon, often the result of overuse which weakens the tissue. This type of tendon injury often results from repetitive use and if left untreated may worsen leading to chronic pain and disability.

Tendonosis: Overtime, a tendon injury may lead to a condition called tendonosis, which is a degeneration of the tendon.  With tendonosis, the tendon becomes overstretched resulting in weakness or ankle instability.

If you suspect you have a tendon injury, it is important to see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment. A podiatrist can also advise you how to avoid tendon injury.  For more information about tendon injury, please visit one of BeverlyHillsPhysicians.com Podiatry offices in the following convenient locations: Beverly Hills, Encino, Thousand Oaks, Valencia, Pasadena, Long Beach and Oxnard.