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Injury advice > Foot Injuries > Flexor tendon inflammation

Flexor tendon inflammation:

Flexor tendinitis

What are the flexor tendons?

The tendons which bend the toes run down the inside of the ankle and under the foot to the toes and are known as the flexor tendons.

Flexor tendinitis is more likely to occur in dancers. It is less common than Extensor tendinitis but can be more painful and disabling.

 foot pain

What are the symptoms of flexor tendinitis.

  • The course of the tendons becomes tender.
  • There is pain when the big toe is bent against resitance.
  • Pain on the inside back of the ankle.
  • Pain in the arch of the foot.

Treatment by the athlete.

  • Rest until there is no more pain.
  • Apply ice or cold therapy.
  • Tape the foot to protect the arch and allow it to rest more easily.

Visiting a sports injury specialist or doctor.

  • Prescribe NSAIDs anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen.
  • Operate - surgery is often successful for this injury and there have been reports of athletes returning to sport within 6 to 9 weeks of the operation.

Useful Products:

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Flexor Tendinitis