Tendinitis in the leg

definition

Tendonitis is also called in technical terms Tendonitis designated. The tendons, which are exposed to high mechanical stress, are protected by so-called tendon sheaths. This can be imagined as a sheath in which the tendons slide back and forth. There they serve to protect against friction.
If the tendons are permanently overloaded, both the tendon itself and the tendon sheaths can become inflamed. This mainly happens at the origin and attachment points of the tendons on the bone and is very painful. On the leg, jogging is often the trigger and temporarily interrupting exercise is the only way to get rid of the inflammation.

Read more on this topic at: Tendinitis

causes

As a rule, the tendons slide in the tendon sheaths when they are flexed and stretched, protecting them from excessive abrasion. If a certain movement is repeated frequently over a period of time, this can lead to irritation of the tendons and the tendon sheaths due to the friction. This can lead to tendinitis and also tendinitis.
In the leg area, tendinitis often occurs on the shin. This is where the point at the transition from the tibia to the dorsum of the foot is most often affected, where the attachment point of the anterior tibial muscle is. The tendons and tendon sheaths lying there are irritated by raising and lowering the foot. This is the case, for example, when walking or jogging for a long time. This can lead to tendinitis, especially if the person concerned is not used to the amount of movement.
Increased one-sided stress on the foot or leg, for example by repeatedly pressing a pedal or lever, can lead to inflammation of the tendons.

Please also read our article on this Tendonitis on the shin

The Achilles tendon is also often affected by inflammation. This is a characteristic localization of the complaints associated with excessive running training.

In addition, bacterial infections, for example with so-called gonococci or chlamydia, can also be the cause of tendinitis. However, this is rarely the case. Also inflammatory joint diseases like that Rheumatoid arthritis are a possible trigger.

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Symptoms

The characteristic symptom of tendinitis in the leg is pain. As already mentioned, this pain occurs most frequently in the area of ​​the lower shin or the Achilles tendon. If the leg continues to be loaded normally, the pain will increase over time. They occur particularly when moving, although some movements can be stronger than others. If the inflammation is more advanced, pain can also persist at rest.
Additionally, the area over the inflamed tendon may be red and warm. However, this is not always the case. In some patients, a crunch can be felt when moving, which is caused by the friction of tendons and tendon sheaths.
The swelling that occurs as part of tendinitis is often noticeable as a more or less large bump under the skin. This is because the tendons curl in front of or behind the inflamed tendon sheath, as the space in the tendon sheath itself is narrowed by the inflammation.
A loss of function or a functional restriction also occur frequently. Patients cannot put full weight on the affected leg and often hobble to spare the leg.

diagnosis

The diagnosis of tendinitis can often be made based on the clinical appearance. The typical locations on the lower tibia or the Achilles tendon are the first clues for a correct diagnosis.
In addition, the symptoms of tendinitis described above can be determined in the physical examination: pain, redness, warming, swelling, functional impairment.
If the diagnosis cannot be made clearly, tendinitis or tendinitis can be caused by a Ultrasound examination being represented. If the tendinitis is suspected to be due to a bacterial infection or rheumatic disease, a blood test may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

therapy

The most important thing with tendinitis of the leg is to protect the leg. In particular, the movements that led to this tendinitis should be avoided and the affected area should be immobilized beyond that. Stabilizing bandages or bandages are often helpful and can be put on by the doctor or yourself.
It is also important to keep the affected area cool. If the tendinitis manifests itself as redness and swelling, cooling can relieve the symptoms.

Read more about this under

• PECH rule
• Home remedies for tendinitis

If the symptoms do not go away after a few days, a doctor should be consulted. He or she can prescribe pain relievers and anti-inflammatory ointments or tablets. If the pain is very severe, the inflammation can also be inhibited by injecting cortisone directly onto the tendons.

Read more about this under Cortisone injection

If the tendinitis is chronic or recurs, surgery should be considered. Here, the tendon sheaths, which may be narrowed, can be split and the friction reduced.
In the case of tendinitis caused by bacterial infections or rheumatic diseases, the treatment of the underlying disease, e.g. with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs, in the foreground.

Ointments for tendinitis in the leg

The application of pain reliever and anti-inflammatory ointment is usually the first therapeutic approach for tendinitis in the leg. Immobilizing the leg and regular cooling should also be carried out.
The ointment can be applied to the affected area several times a day. Most ointments contain the active ingredient Diclofenac (Voltaren®), which has anti-inflammatory effects. Also the application of Cortisone ointments can speed up the healing of tendinitis.

If the application of the ointment does not provide relief from the symptoms, another treatment approach, for example with anti-inflammatory tablets or local syringes.

Homeopathy for tendinitis in the leg

There are several homeopathic remedies that can help with tendinitis in the leg. They are selected based on the ailments that arise. Which includes Arnica, Apis mellifica, Bryonia and Rhus toxicodendron. The funds are usually in the form of Globules Taken in different potencies. Arnica can, however, also be used externally.
If after a few days there is no improvement despite homeopathic treatment, a doctor should be consulted.

Duration of tendinitis in the leg

If tendinitis in the leg occurs acutely for the first time, the symptoms should disappear after a few days if the patient is sufficiently immobilized. If this is not the case, a doctor should be consulted. After the pain has subsided, however, the activating activity (e.g. jogging) should be avoided or reduced for a few weeks so that the irritation does not cause inflammation again.
With chronic or recurring tendinitis, the pain can persist for several weeks or even months.

Tendinitis in the thigh

Tendonitis in the thigh is a common condition, especially among athletes. It occurs in particular after incorrect or excessive stress, for example when hiking or jogging for a long time. Rheumatic or infectious causes are also possible. Those affected experience thigh pain when moving. Climbing stairs and getting up from a chair is particularly painful. Tendonitis is treated by taking physical rest for a few days. In addition, taking pain reliever medication can be helpful. Usually, recovery takes 1-2 weeks.

Read more on the subject at: Pain in the thigh

Tendonitis of the quadriceps tendon

The quadriceps muscle is a large muscle on the front of the thigh that is specifically responsible for flexing the knee joint.He has several muscle tummies, all of which attach to the shin. The kneecap is located in its attachment tendon. The bone attachments are often affected by inflammation.

The causes are often chronic excessive stress caused by sport or malpositions. Those affected often complain of tenderness in the area of ​​the attachment points and the knee. In addition, pain occurs when moving and restricted mobility. Tendonitis is treated by taking physical rest for a few days and taking anti-inflammatory and pain reliever medication.

Read more on the subject at: Inflammation of the quadriceps tendon

Runner's knee / ITBS

The runners knee, also called ilio-tibial ligament syndrome (ITBS), is an inflammation of the iliotibial band on the thigh. The syndrome often occurs due to overuse, such as jogging. Going downhill is also often difficult. Those affected usually complain of external knee pain when jogging or walking. In doing so, the intensity of the pain can continue to decrease during exercise.

If you do not take sufficient rest, the pain can become chronic and reappear with every load. When treating a runner's knee, sufficient rest should be ensured. In the acute phase of pain, anti-inflammatory drugs or ointments can help. In the long term, you should pay attention to the right footwear and possibly consider wearing insoles. Stretching exercises should also be done regularly.

Read more on the subject at: Runner's knees

Tendonitis at the greater trochanter

The greater trochanter is a protruding bone on the thigh to which several muscles attach, which are responsible for the mobility in the hip. In the case of long-term incorrect or excessive stress, these tendon attachments can become inflamed. This is also known as trochanteric endinosis. The result is pain in the hip, especially when moving. When climbing stairs, in particular, patients experience severe pain in the hip area. If the inflammation is severe, it can also cause overheating or swelling.

Tendonitis is treated by cooling and protecting the hip. In addition, drug therapy with diclofenac or ibuprofen can help.

Read more on the subject at: Greater trochanter pain

Tendonitis of the biceps tendon

The biceps muscle lies on the back of the thigh and belongs to the group of knee flexors. Inflammation causes pain in or on the outside of the hollow of the knee, which can radiate into the calf. The pain usually gets worse with exercise.

In the case of inflammation, one can choose between tendinitis (Tendonitis) and tendinitis (Tendovaginitis) differentiate. The causes are overloads and minor injuries to the tendon. Biceps tendonitis is best treated with rest. Bandages or heat therapy can also be used. In the acute phase, taking anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also be helpful. In addition, stretching exercises and physiotherapy can help shorten the healing time.

Achilles tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is the strongest and most famous tendon in the human body. It connects the lower leg muscles with the foot and, among other things, ensures that the foot is stretched. If this tendon is inflamed, those affected often feel severe pain when moving the foot, especially when stretching. Walking is often difficult.

The reasons for inflammation are usually incorrect and excessive loads. Wearing the wrong shoes or a difference in leg length can also be causes. Achilles tendonitis is best treated with immobilization. In the acute phase, taking anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also be helpful. Stretching exercises and physical therapy can also help with healing time.

Read more on the subject at: Achilles tendonitis

Peroneal tendonitis

Inflammation of the tendons of the long and short fibula muscles (M. peroneus longus and brevis) is also known as peroneal tendon syndrome. On the one hand, these muscles stabilize the arch of the foot and also have functions in the most varied of foot movements. Incorrect or excessive strain can lead to inflammation of these tendons, which leads to pain in the outer ankle. These occur mainly when there is stress, especially when lifting the inside of the foot.

Tendonitis is treated by relieving the tension on the tendon, which is usually done with the help of a splint or bandage. This immobilization allows the tendon to regenerate. Taking pain reliever and anti-inflammatory drugs can also help.

Read more on the subject at: Peroneal tendonitis

Inflammation of the tibialis posterior tendon

The tibialis posterior is a muscle on the front lower leg. It runs from the shin to the foot and is responsible for various movements in the ankle. Overloading during sport can lead to inflammation in the tendon area (Tendonitis). Signs of inflammation include pain in the ankle when moving. Pressure pain in the tendon area is also typical. Chronic inflammation can also cause redness and swelling.

The inflammation is treated by protecting the tendon. Taking pain reliever and anti-inflammatory drugs can also help. In the long term, the use of shoe insoles (Orthotics) or bandages help prevent further tendinitis.

Read more on the subject at: Tendonitis of the tibialis posterior tendon