Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, i.e. the thick fibrous band which connects the muscles and the bones. It is characterized by pain and tenderness which typically starts as a mild ache above the heel or at the back of the leg after a sports activity. Severe pain occurs after extended running, climbing stairs or sprinting.
What Causes Tendonitis In The Foot?
The overuse of the tendo – Achilles, the fibrous band of tissue connecting the calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to the heel is the chief cause. It commonly occurs in runners who have increased the intensity and / or duration of runs suddenly. It is also fairly common in middle-aged people who play sports, like, basketball or tennis, only on weekends.
- Basically, the condition develops due to frequent and / or forceful strain on the Achilles tendon. This tendon is used when you walk, jump, and run.
- The Achilles tendon tends to weaken with age, and this makes it more vulnerable to injury, especially in those who take part in sports only on weekends or have abruptly increased the intensity of running.
- Furthermore, having a naturally flat arch, obesity and tight calf muscles put greater strain on the tendon, making it susceptible.
- Running in worn-out shoes raises the risk of Achilles tendinitis.
- Also, those who have high levels of blood pressure and / or diabetes are at higher risk of developing Achilles tendinitis.
Home Remedies For Achilles Tendonitis
The following home remedies and natural cures have proved to be very effective in the management of tendonitis of the foot.
- You need adequate rest. That is the first line of treatment. Steer clear of all those activities which aggravate the pain or swelling. Rest is crucial for tissue healing. Even though rest is a vital aspect of treating tendinitis, long periods of inactivity causes stiffness. Hence, after a few days of completely resting the injured area, gently move it through its full range of motion to maintain joint flexibility.
- Use an ice pack frequently. It helps reduce the pain, muscle spasm as well as swelling considerably. Place an ice pack over the affected area for 10 minutes, 5 to 6 times per day. After about 24 to 48 hours however, heat therapy needs to be done for quicker healing. This includes deep heat, from ultrasound.
- Inflammation and swelling can result in loss of range of movement in the injured joint, thus, you need to compress the area until the swelling goes away completely. Compressive elastic bandages or wraps are recommended.
- You need to elevate the foot above the level of your heart to diminish the swelling.
- Experts advise ginger tea; have 3 to 4 glasses of ginger tea per day for a week. Ginger is packed with gingerols which helps allay swelling and inflammation almost immediately, and accelerates the process of healing. Boil about half an inch of ginger in a glass of water. Strain, add honey and consume daily.
- Garlic is another effective home remedy. Have a flake of garlic daily for about a fortnight. It expedites healing of the tendon.
- Clove essential oil is advocated by most aroma-therapists. This aroma oil reduces pain significantly. Blend 5 drops of clove essential oil with 10 drops of warm sesame seed oil and massage very gently.