Ankle Tendinitis Symptoms and Treatment

Written by Mary Atkinson Smith, DNP, FNP-BC, RN

05 December, 2018

Ankle tendinitis refers to short-term inflammation of the tendons that surround the ankle joint. Tendons are fibrous tissue that connect muscle to bone and enable movement of the joint. Thirteen tendons cross the ankle joint. Ankle tendinitis can occur with increased use or an ankle injury, such as a sprained ankle. Pain and swelling are the most common symptoms. Various treatments focus on decreasing pain and inflammation and improving function of the ankle.

Pain and Tenderness

Ankle tendinitis causes pain, which may occur at the back, front or sides of the ankle, depending on the tendon or tendons affected. The pain typically increases with activity that puts stress on the inflamed tendon. It may also be worse when you first get out of bed in the morning. Applying pressure in the area of the inflamed tendon is often painful. Pain can also be generated by the presence of swelling.

Ankle tendinitis causes pain, which may occur at the back, front or sides of the ankle, depending on the tendon or tendons affected.
Applying pressure in the area of the inflamed tendon is often painful.

Swelling

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Swelling along the inflamed tendon is another common symptom of ankle tendinitis. However, it might not be noticeable initially. Swelling is likely to increase if treatment is not initiated to control the inflammation. Although the swelling is usually located in the area of the inflamed tendon, it can also be seen in the surrounding tissues of the ankle.

Swelling along the inflamed tendon is another common symptom of ankle tendinitis.
Although the swelling is usually located in the area of the inflamed tendon, it can also be seen in the surrounding tissues of the ankle.

Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation

Self-care treatment of ankle tendinitis symptoms can be initiated by following the acronym R.I.C.E., which stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Staying off your feet as much as possible while avoiding running and jumping activities allows the tendon inflammation to resolve. Applying a cold pack to the area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time several times a day for the first few days helps reduce pain and swelling. An elastic ankle wrap gently compresses the ankle, which helps decrease pain and swelling. Elevating the ankle also helps reduce swelling and pain.

Self-care treatment of ankle tendinitis symptoms can be initiated by following the acronym R.I.C.E., which stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation.
Elevating the ankle also helps reduce swelling and pain.

Exercise and Medication

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Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can reduce inflammation in the tendon, leading to decreased pain and swelling with ankle tendinitis. Check with your doctor to be sure these medications are safe for you. Gentle stretching exercises -- such as ankle circles and stretching the calf muscle -- may also be helpful. These exercises serve to strengthen the ankle joint while maintaining its flexibility and reducing stiffness. However, it's important not to perform exercises that cause pain in your ankle, as this may further damage the inflamed tendon.

Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can reduce inflammation in the tendon, leading to decreased pain and swelling with ankle tendinitis.
However, it's important not to perform exercises that cause pain in your ankle, as this may further damage the inflamed tendon.

Medical Treatment

If your ankle pain does not improve within a few days with self-care, see your healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment. See your healthcare provider right away if you experience severe ankle pain, cannot bear weight or move your ankle, or your foot becomes cold, pale or numb. These symptoms may indicate a serious ankle injury.