Flexor Tendonitis

What are the flexor tendons?
The tendons which bend the toes originate from two muscles of the lower leg; the Flexor digitorum longus and the Flexor hallucis longus muscles. They run down the inside of the ankle and under the foot to the toes and are known as the flexor tendons.

Flexor tendinitis is an inflammation of he flexor tendons and is less common than Extensor tendinitis but can be more painful and disabling. It is more likely to occur in dancers.

Symptoms of flexor tendinitis
-Tenderness along the course of the tendons.
-Pain when the big toe is bent against resistance.
-Pain on the inside back of the ankle.
-Pain in the arch of the foot.

What can the athlete do about it?
-Rest until there is no more pain.
-Apply ice or cold therapy.
-Tape the foot to protect the arch and allow it to rest more easily.

What can a sports injury specialist or podiatrist do?
-Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen.
-Operate - surgery is often successful for this injury and there have been reports of athletes returning to sport within 6 to 9 weeks of the operation.