FAQ: Pain When Flexing Foot Down?

What does it mean when it hurts to flex your foot?

The extensor tendons, located in the top of the foot, are needed for flexing or pulling the foot upward. If they become inflamed due to overuse or wearing shoes without proper support, they may get torn or inflamed. This is known as extensor tendinitis, which can cause significant pain in the top of the foot.

How do you know if you have extensor tendonitis?

Symptoms of extensor tendonitis include:

1. Pain localized to the top of the foot.
2. Pain worsens with activity.
3. Crepitus or crackling noise at the affected tendon site.
4. Stiffness of the joint.
5. Decreased range of motion.
6. Redness, warmth or swelling.

What are the symptoms of tendonitis in the foot?

The most common symptoms of foot or ankle tendonitis are localized pain, swelling, and stiffness. Pain is the first sign of foot or ankle tendonitis. The pain typically lessens over time but then resurfaces the longer you spend on the foot or ankle.

Why does my ankle hurt when I flex my foot?

The anterior tibial tendon lies on the inner-front of the ankle. The muscle and tendon work together to flex the foot upwards. This condition occurs when the tendon is inflamed from overuse or traumatic ankle injury. If left untreated, the tendon can rupture and is very difficult to treat.

How do I know if my foot pain is serious?

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

1. Have severe pain or swelling.
2. Have an open wound or a wound that is oozing pus.
3. Have signs of infection, such as redness, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or you have a fever over 100 F (37.8 C)
4. Are unable to walk or put weight on your foot.

Is pain in your feet a sign of diabetes?

High blood sugar can cause diabetic neuropathy, which damages the nerves that send signals from your hands and feet. Diabetic neuropathy can cause numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, hands, and feet. Another symptom is a burning, sharp, or aching pain ( diabetic nerve pain ).

What happens if tendonitis goes untreated?

If tendonitis is left untreated, you could develop chronic tendonitis, a tendon rupture (a complete tear of the tendon), or tendonosis (which is degenerative). Chronic tendonitis can cause the tendon to degenerate and weaken over time.

What is the fastest way to heal tendonitis in the foot?

This treatment can help speed your recovery and help prevent further problems.

1. Rest. Avoid activities that increase the pain or swelling.
2. Ice. To decrease pain, muscle spasm and swelling, apply ice to the injured area for up to 20 minutes several times a day.
3. Compression.
4. Elevation.

Why does the top of foot hurt?

Pain on the top of the foot can be caused by different conditions, the most common of which are due to overuse in activities like running, jumping, or kicking. Conditions caused by overuse include: Extensor tendonitis: This is caused by overuse or tight-fitting shoes.

Will my tendonitis ever go away?

It may go away in just a few days with rest and physical therapy. Tendonitis results from micro-tears in the tendon when it’s overloaded by sudden or heavy force. There is no inflammation in tendonosis, but rather the actual tissue in the tendons is degrading. Untreated tendonitis can eventually lead to tendonosis.

How do you treat an inflamed tendon in your foot?

Treating Tendonitis of the Foot

1. Ice and heat. Ice helps prevent swelling and reduce pain. Place ice on the painful area for 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Medicines. Your healthcare provider may tell you to take ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medicines. These reduce pain and swelling.
3. Limiting activities. Rest allows the tissues in your foot to heal.

How long does tendonitis in the foot last?

The pain of tendinitis can be significant and worsens if damage progresses because of continued use of the joint. Most damage heals in about two to four weeks, but chronic tendinitis can take more than six weeks, often because the sufferer doesn’t give the tendon time to heal.

When should I go to the doctor for ankle pain?

Seek immediate medical attention if you: Have severe pain or swelling. Have an open wound or severe deformity. Have signs of infection, such as redness, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or a fever greater than 100 F (37.8 C) Cannot put weight on your foot.

What causes pain on top of foot and front of ankle?

Inflammation along one of the extensor tendons can cause pain on the top of your foot near the ankle. This is known as tendinitis. One of the most common causes of extensor tendinitis is from wearing tight-fitting shoes.

How do I know if I have posterior tibial tendonitis?

The symptoms of PTTD may include pain, swelling, a flattening of the arch and an inward rolling of the ankle. As the condition progresses, the symptoms will change. For example, when PTTD initially develops, there is pain on the inside of the foot and ankle (along the course of the tendon ).