Extensor tendons are just under the skin at the top of the feet and enable the foot to flex and raise the toes. Tendons are bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. The Extensor Tendonitis Podiatrists in the hands help to improve move fingers, thumbs, and wrists.
The extensor tendons to the foot come from the relatively small muscles in the front of the leg. The two main extensor muscles are the Extensor Hallucis Longus muscle (EHL) and the Extensor Digitrorum Longus muscle (EDL). The tendons from these muscles cross the front of the ankle, pass across the top of the foot and attach into the big toe (EHL) and lesser toes (EDL).
These tendons function to pull the foot upward and work with resistance from the Achilles’ tendon and the calf muscles (flexor muscle group) that pulls the foot downward.
There are many simple solutions that can relieve extensor tendonitis symptoms, as well as some more involved therapies to treat this common injury. This condition is common in dancers, figure skaters, skiers, and runners. Chronic tendonitis leads to tendinosis, which is non-inflammatory degeneration of the tendon and takes much longer to heal.
Causes of Extensor Tendonitis
Extensor tendons connect muscle to bone in the hand and foot, and extensor tendonitis is commonly caused by overuse.
The most common cause is overuse of the muscles, bones, and tendons in the feet.
In the feet, it’s most often caused by:
· spending a lot of time on the feet
· wearing shoes that are too tight
· using inappropriate footwear for a sport or activity
Mallet finger is a common type of injury that occurs to the fingers, especially in athletes. It occurs when the tip of the finger is struck hard, such as with a ball, which injures the tendon that runs along the top of the finger.
Without treatment, the tendon can become permanently damaged, causing the tip of the finger to fail to straighten completely.
Symptoms of Extensor Tendonitis
The main symptom of foot extensor tendonitis is pain on the top of your foot. The discomfort is usually felt around the midpoint of the dorsal (top) of the foot.
The symptoms tend to be confined to the top of the foot, occasionally spreading to the arch of the foot:
Top of Foot Pain: Tends to be worse with activity and better with rest. The top of the foot maybe tender to touch making it uncomfortable wearing shoes
Swelling and/or Bruising: There may be some visible swelling and/or bruising across the top of the foot
A simple test to determine if the pain on the top of your foot is a result of extensor tendonitis requires. First, flex your foot down and push down on your toes. Now, provide resistance by having someone press on your toes. The pain usually builds gradually as use of the injured tendon continues.
Then, try to pull toes up against the resistance. Feeling pain across the top of foot or along the extensor tendon when you’re doing that, then you’re most likely dealing with extensor tendonitis.
Treatment of Extensor Tendonitis
Anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, may be recommended by a doctor if rest does not alleviate the pain.
Injuries to the hands and feet are common and usually resolve within a few days with basic care of Extensor Tendonitis Podiatrists.
In mild cases of extensor tendonitis treatment consists of calf muscle stretching and oral anti-inflammatory medications. In more severe cases treatment may include a removable below the knee cast, calf muscle stretching and oral anti-inflammatory medications.
Many podiatrists may also recommend long term treatment with inserts for the shoes called orthotics. There is a range of treatment options available for extensor tendonitis.
Rest and relaxation
Resting the affected joint is crucial, especially if the tendonitis is caused by overuse. It is essential to stop the activity that is causing the pain until the tendon has healed, to prevent further injury. In less serious cases, rest may be all that is needed until the tendon has healed.
Finger or toe splints
Mallet finger may require splinting for several weeks so that the tendon returns to its previous position and completely heals in place.
It is important to clarify with the doctor about the length of time that the finger must remain in the splint. It is common to have to wear the splint continuously, even in the shower.
Removing the splint and moving the finger before the tendon has healed, could reinjure the tendon.
Orthotics.
An orthotic is an insert that goes in your shoes to support your foot and help you use it the right way. Sometimes a tendon injury changes the shape of your foot, which may require special support.
Steroid (cortisone) injections.
Cortisone shots can reduce inflammation and pain that come with a tendon injury. Your doctor will help you decide if this is the right treatment for you.
Physical therapy
Extensor tendonitis of the foot may require physical therapy and special stretches for a tight calf muscle. Exercises that stretch and strengthen muscles and tendons may help. A Extensor Tendonitis Podiatrists will teach the correct way to do these exercises and coach you as you do them when you first start your exercise program.
Surgery
Surgery to repair extensor tendonitis is rare and usually reserved for very special or unique cases. If considering surgical repair of the extensor tendons, people should ensure they see a surgeon who has experience performing these types of procedures.
