Pain on Top of Your Foot? It Could Be Extensor Tendonitis

Extensor tendonitis is a condition that occurs when the tendons that run along the top of your foot and help you lift your toes become inflamed. This injury most often occurs from excessive use without adequate rest or recovery time, leading to pain and swelling.  

Extensor tendonitis is an injury that Dr. Elton and his team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery frequently see in athletes, particularly runners, of Eagle and Summit County. The good news is that this condition often responds positively to conservative care, with most people recovering fully. 

However, if left untreated, extensor tendonitis can lead to chronic problems. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are essential for the best possible outcome. 

 What Causes Extensor Tendonitis?

There are a number of things that can contribute to the development of extensor tendonitis of the foot, including:

• Overuse or repetitive motion: Extensor tendonitis is often seen in athletes who participate in activities that involve a lot of running or jumping. Repetitive motion puts stress on the tendons and can cause them to become irritated and inflamed.

• Poor footwear: Wearing shoes that are too tight can put unnecessary pressure on the tendons in the foot and lead to irritation and inflammation. Shoes that don't provide adequate support or cushioning can also contribute to extensor tendonitis.

• Other causes: High foot arches, flat feet, tight calves, or foot injuries can also increase your risk of extensor tendonitis. 

What Are the Symptoms of Extensor Tendonitis? 

The most common symptom of this condition is pain along the top of the foot, especially when walking or running. Other symptoms may include:

• Swelling or tenderness on the top of the foot

• Warmth or redness around the affected area

• Pain when curling your toes

• A bump where the tendon attaches to the bone

The symptoms of extensor tendonitis can mimic other conditions, such as stress fractures. That's why it's important to get an accurate diagnosis from a foot and ankle specialist like Dr. Elton. He will diagnose your injury and develop a treatment plan for your active lifestyle. 

How Is Extensor Tendonitis Treated? 

In the majority of cases, Dr. Elton can treat extensor tendonitis successfully with conservative measures, including:

• Rest (the most important thing you can do is take a break from activities that irritate the condition)

• Ice

• Over-the-counter medications 

• Shoes with good arch support or custom orthotics

• Physical therapy 

• Steroid injection

Surgery is rarely necessary for extensor tendonitis.

Pain on the Top of Your Foot? Contact Team Elton Today.

If you're experiencing persistent pain on the top of your foot, don't wait. Contact Dr. Elton today to jumpstart your recovery. He and his team of foot specialists will develop a treatment plan that will help get you back to your favorite activities, pain-free. 

Call (970) 476-7220 to schedule an appointment or submit a request using our online form.