Foot Conditions A-Z

Strains

A strain is a torn or stretched muscle (also called a “pulled” muscle) or tendon. Tendons connect muscles to bones, and a sudden twisting or pulling of these tissues can cause a strain. Strains can also develop over time due to repetitive stress and the aging process. In the foot, the most common strains occur in the Achilles tendon and in the anterior and posterior tibial tendons. Strains can also occur in other muscles of the foot and the tendons that attach to them. Plantar fasciitis also results from a strain of the plantar fascia. There are two primary types of strains, acute (sudden) and chronic (which happens over time from repetitive stress).