Upper Foreleg Extensor Tendon Injuries

Located in the feet and hands, the extensor tendons assist with straightening and bending of the hands, fingers and feet. Unfortunately, these tendons are extremely prone to injury. When an extensor tendon is severed, separated from the bone or inflamed, it can cause significant pain and a loss of functioning. With proper treatment, however, the extensor tendons injuries can be corrected quite easily.

Location

• The extensor tendons are located along the back of the hands and fingers and along the top of the feet and toes. The extensor tendons of the hands are attached to forearm muscles and branch out into each finger, where they become quite flat and thin. The extensor tendons in the hand allow you to extend and straighten your fingers and thumb. The extensor tendons are necessary for hand coordination and precise movements of the hands and fingers. The extensor tendons of the feet are attached to small muscles in the lower leg and branch out across the top of the foot and into the toes. In the foot, the extensor tendons function to pull the foot upwards and downwards.

Injuries

• Their location and small size make the extensor tendon injuries of the hands and fingers extremely easy to injure. The extensor tendons are located quite close to the skin and have very little tissue to protect them, so any trauma to the back of the hand or fingers could easily tear the extensor tendons. The most common injury to the extensor tendons of the hands occur as a result of a cut or tear in the top of the hand or finger. Jamming your finger may also cause an extensor tendon to dislocate from its attachment to the bone. Occasionally, arthritis in the wrist may cause an extensor tendon to rupture. In the foot, it becomes a bit more difficult to injure the extensor tendons. The most common type of extensor tendon injury in the foot is inflammation of the extensor tendons.

Mallet Finger

• Mallet finger occurs in the hand when an extensor tendon has been severed or separated from the bone near the tip of the finger. These injuries can be easily caused by a cut to the hand or finger or by jamming the finger. Regardless of its cause, the result is always the same. When this extensor tendon is cut, the fingertip cannot be straightened. When the hand is held out straight and all the other fingers are extended, the injured finger will have a droopy fingertip. To correct this injury, the cut tendon will likely need to be stitched. A splint will then be worn for four to eight weeks; splinting is necessary to ensure proper healing of the extensor tendon.

Boutonniere Deformity

• A boutonniere deformity occurs when the extensor tendon is cut or torn near the middle joint of a finger. This injury can also be caused by cutting or jamming the finger. When this injury occurs, the finger will droop at the middle joint and the tip of the finger will bend back up. Stitches may be necessary, but splinting will always be necessary. Typically, a splint will be worn for four to eight weeks. If the injury is not treated properly, the finger may bend even further and may eventually become stuck in this position.

Inflammation

• The most common injury of the extensor tendons in the feet occurs when these tendons become inflamed, causing pain and swelling to the area. When the extensor tendons are inflamed, the patient will experience sharp pains along the top of the foot, which will likely become worse when running or when the foot is stretched. The patient will also have swelling along the top of the foot. There are many things that may cause the extensor tendons to become inflamed, such as overuse of the foot, shoes that are tied too tight, or running on difficult terrain (hills, icy or slippery surfaces). Treatment for extensor tendon inflammation involves resting and applying ice to the top of the foot. Once the pain and swelling has decreased, physical therapy may help to strengthen the extensor tendon muscles and reduce the chance of future inflammation.