Extensor Tendonitis - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction

Extensor tendons are the tendons just beneath the skin; these are present in the hands and feet with very crucial functions as they help strengthen and move fingers and wrists. In feet, these tendons attach the muscles of the fingers to the toes running across the top of the feet. Extensor tendons have very little covering or cushioning, so they are prone to injuries, even with the slightest trauma. These injuries lead to the inflammation of the tendons and are referred to as tendonitis.

What Is Extensor Tendonitis?

Extensor tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of the hand and foot tendons. This inflammation is caused by trauma, over-exertion, or repetitive motions of these tendons, as these tendons are overworked with time. Long hours of standing or participating in sports activities that can cause fatigue to the hands can result in extensor tendonitis.

What Are the Symptoms of Extensor Tendonitis?

The symptoms of tendonitis are presented a few hours after over-exertion and resolve after resting for a while. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Pain: Pain is commonly experienced in the upper portion of the foot; the site of pain is mostly around the midpoint of the dorsum of the foot, and in the hand, it mainly pains around and in front of the wrist. The pain can worsen if the activities are continued with the inflamed tendons.

• Stiffness: The hands and legs become stiff, making the movements difficult and painful.

• Swelling: The affected site should be kept at rest till the pain subsides.

• Discoloration of the Site: The site sometimes turns bluish-black as the stiffness of the muscle leads to blood stagnation. The affected site also shows elevation in the local temperature and feels warm to the touch.

• Weakness: The tendons become weak and lose their ability to function to their full potential; this can affect the movements while walking, jumping or dancing, or even simply standing. The pain worsens if the movements are not restricted.

What Are the Causes of Extensor Tendonitis?

Extensor tendons are located superficially beneath the skin they are prone to any impact and get inflamed or injured due to their vulnerable location. Some of the common causes of extensor tendonitis include:

Tendonitis of Feet:

• Tight Shoes: Tight shoes, or tight shoe laces, exert excessive pressure on the tendons and cause irritation at the site to make it painful.

• Standing for Long Hours: Standing for long hours exerts excessive pressure on the feet, making them sour and inflamed.

• Sports Injuries: These injuries are common in players like footballers or athletes who exert a lot of pressure on the feet for long periods of time.

• Sudden Twisting of Leg: Sudden jerk while walking or missing a step can harm the tendons and initiate pain and swelling at the site.

Tendonitis of Hands:

• Painting: As making large portraits or paintings require working for a longer hour with great control over your hand movements, these fine hand movements can make extensor tendons sour and inflamed.

• Sports Injuries: Games like badminton and volleyball put a lot of pressure on the wrist and palms and can hence inflame the tendons.

• Typing for Long Hours: Typing for long hours also puts a lot of pressure on the wrist, making it painful

• Sudden Jerks: Any sudden jerk that are body is not prepared for is harmful and dangerous; similarly, sudden jerks can injure the tendons and initiate pain.

How Is Extensor Tendonitis Diagnosed?

The condition is diagnosed clinically based on the history and physical examination. The physician examines and palpates the site of inflammation. Other diagnostic methods are also used to confirm the diagnosis and include

• X-rays.

• Ultrasounds.

• Computed topography.

• Magnetic resonance imaging.

How Is Extensor Tendonitis Treated?

The condition arises as the tendons are overused; therefore, quick relief is obtained when these tendons are at rest and at ease. Other home remedies that can help relieve pain include:

• Ice Application: Apply cold compression at the affected site intermittently for at least 15 minutes three to four times a day.

• Pressure Relief: The affected site can be wrapped with a crepe bandage or elastic bandage to restrict movement and relieve pain.

• Elevation: Raise the hand or the foot, whichever has pain above the heart level; this can help in reducing pain. It is done by placing pillows beneath the feet while lying down on the bed.

In cases with chronic pain that does not subside, medications can be taken on prescription by the physician. The recommended medications include:

• NSAIDS: These are the anti-inflammatory medications that help in subsiding inflammation and relieve pain. These medications include tablets like Aspirin or Ibuprofen. But this medication should not be taken repeatedly or for longer periods without the advice of a doctor.

• Corticosteroid Injection: Corticosteroids help in overcoming inflammation and pain but are not used commonly or in mild cases due to their known side effects and dependence. These injections are administered in the intramuscular region or are given locally.

The pain caused by extensor tendonitis is relieved on rest, but the recovery depends on how inflamed the tendons are; complete recovery might require a few weeks or even months, depending on the severity and the precautions taken.

• Physical Therapy: These therapies include movement and exercises of the affected site, which are demonstrated by professionals. The stretches and exercises can be practiced every day as they help in relaxing the tendons and strengthening them.

How Can Extensor Tendonitis Be Prevented?

Extensor tendonitis can be prevented by preventing any trauma to the wrist or the feet. The following measures can help prevent the condition:

• Use of protective sports accessories like gloves and kneepads.

• Use shoes that fit perfectly.

• The body should get adequate rest after intense activity.

• Proper exercises and warm-ups should be done before playing, and the body should be stretched to relax after the game.

• Avoid standing for long hours.

• Avoid or be careful while walking around places where it is possible to trip.

• Sports like football or volleyball should be played only when trained by professionals.

Conclusion

Extensor tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendons situated beneath the skin; the condition is painful but can be relieved on rest when the condition is mild. The condition is common among sportspersons, teachers who have to stand for long hours, and even people who use the keyboard for a long duration. The condition is not severe initially but should not be ignored to prevent any further complications.