The extensor tendons to the foot come from muscles in the front of the leg. The two main extensor muscles are the extensor hallucis longus muscle and the extensor digitrorum longus muscle. The tendons from the muscles cross the front of the ankle, over the top of the foot and attach to the big toe and smaller toes. These tendons pull the foot upward and work with resistance from the Achilles tendon and the calf muscles that pulls the foot downward. When these tendons are over stressed swelling, inflammation, cramps and soreness can occur. Common factors that cause extensor tendonitis are excessive tightness of calf muscles, over exertion with exercise, and falling of the arch of the foot. Our professional podiatrists may recommend calf muscles stretches, oral anti-inflammatory medications, a removable below the knee brace and/or shoe orthotics. If you suffer from any of the symptoms talk to one of our capable podiatrists to see what treatment might be best for you.
Wendy Taggart, PMAC & Insurance verification at Pueblo Ankle and Foot Care
