A foot tendon injury is typically diagnosed through a combination of:

• Physical examination: The doctor will assess the foot for swelling, bruising, and range of motion.
• Imaging tests: X-rays can rule out fractures, while an MRI or ultrasound can provide detailed images of the tendons to confirm tears or ruptures.
• Physical tests: The doctor may ask you to move the foot or apply pressure to check for weakness or pain.

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Treatment for foot tendon injuries depends on the severity of the injury:

• Conservative treatments: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.) may help manage mild tendon strains. In some cases, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended.
• Surgical repair: Severe tendon injuries or ruptures may require surgery to repair or reattach the tendon to its original position. Surgery may involve suturing the tendon or using grafts to repair the damage.

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Surgery is often required for:

• Complete tendon ruptures: When the tendon is completely torn or detached from the bone.
• Severe tendon tears: When the tendon is partially torn but does not heal properly with conservative methods.
• Chronic tendonitis: When inflammation or degeneration of the tendon does not respond to non-surgical treatments.
• Tendon subluxation: When the tendon slips out of its normal position, causing instability.

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Recovery time varies depending on the type of tendon repair and the extent of the injury. Generally, patients can expect:

• Initial healing: 6 to 8 weeks for the tendon to heal enough to bear weight and begin physical therapy.
• Full recovery: It can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to fully recover, depending on the tendon involved and the patient's adherence to rehabilitation exercises.
• Physical therapy: Rehabilitation is often necessary to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

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