Ankle and Top of Foot Tendonitis Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Explained As a foot and ankle specialist, I frequently see patients who present with pain on the top of the foot or around the ankle and assume it is a simple sprain. In many cases, the underlying cause is tendon inflammation, commonly known as tendonitis. Tendonitis affecting the ankle and the top of the foot can interfere with walking, balance, and daily activities if not properly treated. What Is Ankle and Top of Foot Tendonitis? Tendonitis refers to the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the strong connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone. On the top of the foot and the front of the ankle, the most commonly involved tendons include: Extensor tendons, which help lift the toes and foot The tibialis anterior tendon, which controls ankle motion during walking When [...]