How long can it take for anterior tibial tendinitis to heal?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 25-year-old female with no allergies, smoking, or drinking. I am suffering from anterior tibial tendinitis. I first began to feel the throbbing pain in my foot a month back. I was told that I have tendinitis. Last two weeks, I have worked for 12 hours a day with no day off was a big contribution to this medical condition. Anterior tibial tendinitis limits my activities by making it hard for me to walk or stand for long periods of time.

I did not have any medical tests done. A physical examination of my right foot and ankle was done last week. I received a prescription for an anti-inflammatory pill called Naproxen. I was advised to take this 500 mg pill up to two times a day to help with pain but the pill must be taken before the pain begins. I was also advised to continue wearing supportive shoes, insoles, and ankle supports, and ice my foot for approximately 20 minutes whenever I feel the pain. I can do other activities that I do not put so much stress and strain on the foot.

I was out for a total of three days because of this condition. I did call my employer and let them know what was going on. I also brought to their notice that I would be out for the next 2 days due to this medical condition. I did my research on this medical condition and looked up information on the computer about tendinitis. When I looked up this information I was advised to cease the activity which caused tendinitis. I also looked up the short-term and long-term effects of this medical condition. I have documentation to prove that I do have this medical condition. Shall I apply for leave? Or should I quit my job?

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

No, you need not have to quit your job. What you can do is you can get an ultrasonography (USG) of the tendon done which will show you the inflammation and it will provide you with the documentation of anterior tibial tendinitis. With this documentation, you can apply for about three weeks of leave. The leave you got was only for the emergency department. You can visit the OPD (outpatient department) do a USG scan, document it, and apply for further leave.

Meanwhile, you can use Naproxen as prescribed to you. Do hot fomentation now over the affected area thrice a day and limit your activity to give rest to the affected part. Also, a removable walking cast is going to help you a great deal to recover from this condition sooner and present worsening of this condition which will lead to chronic anterior tibial tendinitis.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.