Millions of individuals across the country are suffering from foot pain. According to an article from the National Pain Report, approximately 80 percent of Americans have experienced this condition.

If you’re feeling discomfort and pain specifically on top of your foot, you might be experiencing a condition called extensor tendonitis. This health issue is common in individuals who spend prolonged periods on their feet. People who wear shoelaces tightly or run in uneven surfaces can also develop this problem.

Individuals with extensor tendonitis can experience pain that originates on top of the foot and occasionally spreads to the foot arch. Symptoms, such as foot swelling and bruising, can point to the presence of this condition.

The good news is that extensor tendonitis is treatable. Your pain management doctor can recommend or prescribe the following treatments to address your condition:

1. Adequate Rest

Your physician can ask you to put all kinds of strenuous activity or exercise on hold to give your feet a much-needed break. Sufficient rest allows the tendons on your feet to recover.

1. Cold Treatment

Applying ice compression wrap on the affected area helps minimize swelling and speed up the healing process. When treating extensor tendonitis, your doctor can recommend cold therapy 10 minutes for every hour to reduce discomfort.

When applying ice on your foot, remember these safety reminders:

• Never put ice in direct contact with your skin. Doing so can cause an ice burn.
• Place the ice in an ice bag (or wrap the object using a tea towel).
• Wait for your tissues to warm up again before performing another cold treatment.

Do take note that this treatment is not for everyone. Individuals with cardiovascular problems and open wounds should not undergo this therapy.

1. Medication

Your doctor can prescribe meds to minimize the inflammation or pain in your foot. You might need to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen and ibuprofen.

If the oral medication provided doesn’t help your condition, your physician can inject steroids on the problem area to decrease the swelling.

1. Strengthening Exercises

Certain physical workouts treat extensor tendonitis. Calf stretches, for instance, help fortify the extensor muscles. It also prevents other causes of foot inflammation, such as extensor tendinopathy. Your doctor will be the one to suggest the appropriate exercises for your condition.  

1. Adjustment of Shoelaces

Changing how you tie your shoes seems trivial at first glance, but it’s a simple and effective way to treat extensor tendonitis and prevent the condition from reoccurring. The adjustment you’ll need to do is simple: avoid tying or fixing the shoelace over the painful areas of your foot.

1. Orthotics

Still on the subject of footwear, your doctor might ask you to wear shoe inserts and insoles to provide support and padding on your foot. The right orthotics helps take away unwanted strain off your tendons.

These are six recommendations a physician can prescribe or recommend for extensor tendonitis. When undergoing treatment, take note that your recovery depends on the severity of the inflammation. During your treatment period, always follow the advice of your doctor and avoid performing tasks that irritate your foot.

Meta title: Taking a Look at the Treatments for Extensor Tendonitis

Meta description: If you’re experiencing swelling on top of your foot, you might have extensor tendonitis. Read on to discover the possible treatments for this condition.

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