Advanced Foot & Ankle Institute of Georgia

3535 Roswell Rd,Suite 54, Marietta, GA 30062

Advanced Foot & Ankle Institute Of Georgia

Ankle Injuries: Stenosing Flexor Hallucis Tenosynovitis

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Ankle Injuries: Stenosing Flexor Hallucis Tenosynovitis
Meet Dr. Fui Dawson

Ankle injuries such as stenosing flexor hallucis tenosynovitis are common among ballet dancers

and athletes like soccer players, ice skaters and gymnasts. A common factor is repetitive

forefront push-off and hyperextended plantar flexion or extreme downward movement of the

toes toward the sole of the foot. No matter how the injury occurred our Atlanta podiatrist can

provide treatment that gets you on the mend.

Common symptoms

The flexor hallucis longus muscle makes it possible to bend the big toe. It also is responsible for

movements such as pointing the foot and ankle down, lifting up onto the toes and maintaining

the arch of the foot. Performed too often or in the extreme, these movements cause injury. Signs

to watch out for include:

  • Pain, tenderness and swelling around the ankle. Pain is often more pronounced with

jumping and flexing of the big toe. In some cases, pain can be present after rest such as

upon waking.

  • Pain around the big toe.
  • Stenosis – The big toe freezes in the plantar position.

Early treatment is important as the onset of pain is gradual. Without appropriate intervention you

can expect the condition, and related symptoms, to worsen. Recovery is also prolonged. Caught

early, the injury may be resolved in a few weeks. Later, the prognosis for recovery can extend to

several months.

Schedule an appointment with our Atlanta podiatrist

During your exam you will be asked to share your health history and information about activity

related to the injury. Our Atlanta podiatrist will perform a visual and physical exam to observe

symptoms as well as response to touch and movement. In some cases, imaging may be required

to fully understand the extent of the injury.

Treatment

Outcomes are greatly improved with adherence to the treatment plan. RICE (Rest, Ice,

Compression and Elevation) is recommended to prevent further injury and promote healing. We

may also advise:

  • FHL exercises – gentle stretching practiced daily.
  • Massage
  • Boots, taping or crutches to avoid undue strain of the injured area.
  • Over the counter preparations to relieve any related pain.

Again, treatment compliance is critical as progressive or chronic injury reduces positive recovery

outcomes. We can help. Our Atlanta podiatrist has experience treating all conditions of the foot

ankle. We work with our patients to understand their needs and develop the most appropriate

treatment plan. Give us a call today to schedule a convenient appointment. Let us put our

expertise to work for you.

Visit highly experienced podiatrist in Marietta at the Advanced Foot and Ankle Institute of Georgia. Contact us now.

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