The extensor digitorum longus (EDL) is a muscle in your lower leg that helps you move your foot and toes. Specifically, it handles dorsiflexion of the foot (lifting the foot up) and extension of your toes (straightening them).
When you have extensor digitorum longus pain, also known as EDL tendinopathy, it can seriously impact your ability to walk, run, and even just stand comfortably. Because it’s easy to strain, it’s important to know what to do when you experience extensor digitorum longus pain.
This article will provide a comprehensive look at EDL pain, covering the common causes, symptoms to watch out for, how doctors diagnose it, and the best treatment options available.
Anatomy and Function of the Extensor Digitorum Longus
The extensor digitorum longus (EDL) is a muscle in your lower leg that helps you move your foot and toes. Knowing its anatomy and function can help you understand where pain comes from and how it affects movement.
Anatomical Location and Structure
The EDL starts in the front part of your lower leg and extends down your leg. Near the ankle, it splits into four tendons, which attach to the top of your second through fifth toes. The EDL sits next to the tibialis anterior and extensor hallucis longus muscles.
Function in Foot and Ankle Movement
The EDL helps you lift the front of your foot upward (dorsiflexion) and extend your four smaller toes. This muscle is important for walking, running, and keeping your balance as you move.
Causes of Extensor Digitorum Longus Pain
Pain in the extensor digitorum longus can be caused by a number of factors, ranging from everyday overuse to more serious injuries or underlying conditions.
Overuse and Repetitive Stress
Repetitive activities, especially those that involve a lot of running or jumping, can lead to EDL tendinopathy. This is especially common in athletes whose sports involve repetitive foot movements. Wearing hard, flat, or unsupportive shoes or using improper training techniques can make the problem worse.
Traumatic Injuries
Direct trauma to your foot or ankle can injure the EDL tendons. Lacerations or contusions can damage the tendons, and early intervention is key to preventing long-term disability. In some cases, timely surgical intervention may be needed.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Sometimes, EDL pain can be related to an underlying medical condition, such as arthritis, diabetes, or another inflammatory condition. These conditions can weaken the tendons, making them more prone to injury.
Foot Structure and Biomechanics
The structure of your feet, including whether you have high or low arches, can also contribute to EDL pain. Altered biomechanics – the way your body moves – can increase the stress on the EDL tendons, leading to pain and discomfort.
What are the symptoms of Extensor Digitorum Longus Pain?
Pain from an EDL injury usually comes on slowly. You’ll probably notice it first on the top of your foot. It might hurt more when you’re active and feel better when you rest.
In addition to pain, you might notice:
- Swelling
- Tenderness in the tendons
- Trouble lifting your toes
Sometimes, EDL pain can also cause discomfort in your ankle or lower leg.
See a doctor if you suspect you’ve injured your Extensor Digitorum Longus.
How is extensor digitorum longus pain diagnosed?
Your doctor will conduct a thorough examination. They’ll check for pain, swelling, and any limits to how far you can move your foot and toes. They will also use palpation, which means feeling along the extensor digitorum longus tendons to find exactly where it hurts.
In some cases, your doctor might want to use imaging, like musculoskeletal ultrasound or MRI. These scans can confirm the diagnosis and rule out other problems. They also let your doctor see if the tendon is inflamed or torn.
Treatment Options for Extensor Digitorum Longus Pain
Most of the time, extensor digitorum longus pain can be managed with conservative treatments, but in rare cases, surgery may be necessary.
Conservative Management
For an acute injury, remember the acronym POLICE, which stands for Protection, Optimal Loading, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. This method is most useful in the first 24 to 72 hours after an injury.
Rest, ice, and compression can help reduce pain and inflammation. Apply an ice pack for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, two or three times a day, for the first five to seven days.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (paracetamol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help manage your symptoms.
Wearing the right kind of shoes and using orthotics can provide support for your foot and reduce stress on the EDL tendons. Avoid shoes that are hard, flat, or unsupportive.
Your doctor or physical therapist can give you exercises to improve the flexibility and strength of the muscles in your foot and ankle. It’s important to increase your activity levels gradually.
Surgical Intervention
Surgery is usually only considered when there’s a severe tendon tear or when pain persists despite conservative treatment.
Surgical procedures may include tendon repair, tendon release, or even tendon grafting.
After surgery, you’ll need to follow a rehabilitation program to help you regain strength and function in your foot and ankle.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
If you’ve strained or otherwise injured your extensor digitorum longus, you need to follow a structured rehabilitation program to make sure it heals well. Physical therapy helps a lot. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises that rebuild your strength and flexibility.
It’s also important to ease back into your regular activities. Listen to what your body is telling you and rest when you need to. Pushing yourself too hard or too fast is a good way to reinjure the muscle.
Key Takeaways
Extensor digitorum longus (EDL) pain can be frustrating, but early diagnosis and the right treatment are essential for the best possible outcome. If you’re experiencing foot pain that just won’t go away, it’s important to seek professional medical advice. A doctor or physical therapist can help you find relief and get back on your feet.