The "Weekend Warrior" Curse: Is It Just Soreness or Tendonitis?
You played hard this weekend. You may have joined the local Pickleball league, or you may be training for a 5K. On Monday morning, you expect to be a little sore.
But this feels different.
Instead of general muscle ache, you feel a sharp, burning pain in your heel (Achilles) or on the inside of your ankle (Posterior Tibial Tendon). It’s stiff, it’s tender to the touch, and it doesn't seem to be "walking off."
This is the hallmark of tendonitis, an overuse injury that is common among active adults. At Advanced Feet and Ankle Care, we help you decipher the difference between "good pain" (gains) and "bad pain" (injury). That’s what this blog’s about!
The Trend: Why is Everyone Getting Tendonitis?
We are seeing a surge in tendon injuries, and it often correlates with trending sports like Pickleball and HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training).
The "Stop-Start" Factor: Tendons are designed to stretch and recoil like rubber bands. Sports that require sudden, explosive movements (sprinting to the kitchen line in Pickleball or jumping on a box) put an immense load on the tendon.
The Age Factor: As we age, our tendons lose water content and elasticity. A movement that was easy at 25 becomes a rupture risk at 45 if you don't warm up properly.
The Checklist: Do I Have Tendonitis?
If you aren't sure if you need a doctor or just an ice pack, check for these signs:
ü The "Morning Creak": Is the pain worse when you first get out of bed or stand up after sitting? Tendonitis stiffens when inactive.
ü Pinpoint Pain: Can you point to one specific spot on the tendon that hurts? General soreness is usually muscular; focal pain is usually tendonitis.
ü Swelling/Thickening: Does the tendon look thicker than the one on your other leg?
ü "Pop" or "Snap": If you hear a noise, stop immediately. You may have a tear.
Treating the Source, Not Just the Symptom
Ignoring tendonitis is dangerous. Chronic inflammation leads to Tendinosis, a degeneration of the collagen fibers that makes the tendon prone to rupturing.
We take a structural approach to healing:
Offloading (The Right Gear): We might prescribe a walking boot or a specific brace to give the tendon a "vacation" from the stress of gravity.
Custom Orthotics: If you have flat feet (overpronation), your tendons are being twisted with every step. Orthotics realign the ankle, stopping the tug-of-war that causes the inflammation.
Advanced Therapy: For stubborn cases, we use regenerative technologies (like Shockwave Therapy) to stimulate blood flow in tendons, which naturally heal slowly due to poor circulation.
Stay in the Game
You don't have to retire from your league. You need to support your mechanics. If your "soreness" has lasted more than 3 days, it’s time for an evaluation. Schedule an appointment today to protect your tendons and keep moving.
Dr. Jason Grossman and Dr. Paul A. Osemene are ready to help at our comfortable, convenient Advanced Feet and Ankle Care offices in Old Bridge, Sayreville, and Freehold. Call (732) 679-4330 to schedule your appointment, or contact us online.