Extensor tendonitis, an overuse injury common in runners, involves the inflammation of extensor tendons on the foot’s top. Improperly fitted or overly tight shoes often contribute to its occurrence.
Extensor tendonitis symptoms
Extensor tendonitis symptoms typically involve:
- Aching foot pain, exacerbated by exercise, particularly running.
- Symptoms tend to develop gradually and intensify over time.
- Potential diffuse swelling on the foot’s top.
- Possible pain trigger when curling toes due to tendon stretching.
Assessment tests
To diagnose extensor tendonitis, a professional therapist administers a resisted dorsiflexion test. You’ll lift your foot and toes against their gentle resistance. Pain during this action signifies a positive test, indicating a potential extensor tendon injury.
Injuries with similar symptoms:
Tibialis anterior tendonitis, a prevalent type of extensor tendonitis, typically results in pain at the ankle’s front, differing from the top-of-foot discomfort common in other forms.
What is Extensor tendonitis?
Extensor tendonitis refers to the inflammation of extensor tendons, though “Extensor tendinopathy” may be a more precise term, as it also includes tendon degeneration. Chronic injuries typically result from wear and tear-induced degeneration rather than inflammation, as long-term injuries rarely exhibit inflammatory cells.
The extensor muscles
Discover the extensor tendons: vital structures running along the top of your foot, linking the muscles in your lower leg to the foot bones. They facilitate dorsiflexion, causing your foot and toes to move upwards as your muscles contract. As you walk, these muscles serve a dual purpose by lifting your foot and working eccentrically during foot placement, resulting in increased stress on the muscles.
The extensor hallucis longus muscle is connected to the big toe, while the extensor digitorum longus connects to the other four toes. Additionally, the tibialis anterior tendon and the extensor hallucis brevis are other noteworthy tendons in the foot that assist in lifting the foot. These tendons play a crucial role in proper foot function and movement.
Extensor tendonitis causes
Repetitive strain causes inflammation and degeneration of tendons, leading to overuse injuries.
Several factors can increase injury risks, including:
Footwear: Ill-fitting shoes, especially when laces are tied too tightly, create excess pressure on the foot’s top.
Training: A sudden shift in training, like running uphill or prolonged incline running on a treadmill, increases stress on the extensor muscles and tendons.
Running downhill: During downhill running, muscles work eccentrically, imposing further stress on the extensor tendons. Similarly, running on ice or slippery surfaces also elevates the risk.
Extensor tendonitis treatment
Effective Foot Tendinitis Treatment:
Rest: Refrain from training until the pain subsides. Continuing to exercise with foot pain can exacerbate the injury and hinder the healing process.
Cold Therapy: Apply ice or cold therapy along with a compression wrap for 10 minutes per hour initially. Gradually reduce the frequency as symptoms improve over the next 48 hours. Remember not to place ice directly on the skin to avoid ice burns; instead, use a wet tea towel or a cold therapy and compression wrap.
Heat: After the acute painful stage has passed, consider using heat therapy, as it can be more effective for chronic injuries. Ice is beneficial in the early stages when acute inflammation is likely present.
Proper Footwear: Wear suitable shoes, avoiding overly tight lacing that pressures the extensor tendons. Try different lacing patterns or elastic laces for comfortable foot expansion. Replace running shoes after 400 miles or 12 months to prevent midsole degradation.
Medication: In some cases, a doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen for Extensor tendonitis. However, individuals with asthma should avoid taking ibuprofen.
Injections: For persistent cases, a steroid injection may be administered, but multiple injections may weaken tendons over time. Surgery is an extremely rare option.
Consult a Sports Injury Professional: Get help from a therapist to assess your foot, confirm the diagnosis, and rule out a metatarsal stress fracture. Pain during passive stretching may indicate tendinitis, while pain during toe-outward movement suggests a stress fracture.
Follow this treatment plan to reduce pain, inflammation, and aid recovery with stretching and strengthening exercises. Consult a qualified medical professional for personalized guidance and the best outcome for your foot tendinitis.
