Foot

Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendinopathy

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Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendinopathy, Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendinitis, Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendonitis

  • Epidemiology
  1. Most common leg Tendinopathy in ballet dancers (en pointe position)
  • Causes
  1. Repetitive motion injury in dancers (related to the push off)
  • Signs
  1. Pain and swelling over the posteromedial ankle
  2. Pain on resisted plantar flexion of great toe
  3. Deeper than achilles tendon
  • Differential Diagnosis
  1. Achilles Tendonitis
  2. Osteoarthritis
  3. Talus Osteochondritis
  4. Posterior Tibial Tendinopathy
  • Management
  1. RICE-M
  2. Short leg immobilization (e.g. CAM walker boot) for 2-3 weeks
    1. Indicated in prolonged or refractory course
  • Prevention
  1. Reduce hip turnout (so dancer stays directly over foot)
  2. Avoid hard floors as much as possible
  3. Core strengthening
  4. Firm supportive shoe