Tendonitis develops from overuse of a set of muscles. Strain causes swelling or small fibers in a tendon to pull apart. Continual exertion of your muscles may cause pain and swelling, limiting your activities.
At first, tendons in the foot may hurt only during or after rigorous activity. Continued irritation may cause pain when you walk or even when standing still. The various types of tendonitis include:
- Achilles tendonitis - may cause pain when you step down or when your heel lifts off the ground. This tendon connects the heel bone to the calf muscle.
- Posterior tibial tendonitis - may cause pain when stepping forward to push off or when your heel shifts from side to side. This tendon runs along the inside of the ankle and foot.
- Anterior tibial tendonitis - may cause pain when going down stairs or walking or running on hills. This form of tendonitis is commonly known as shin splints. This tendon starts at the front of the shin and connects to the big toe.
- Peroneal tendonitis - may cause pain when standing or pushing off the ground. The peroneal tendon wraps across the bottom of your foot from the outside to the inside.