From the Guidelines
Foot extensor tendonitis should be treated with relative rest and reduced activity to prevent further damage and promote healing and pain relief. The treatment of foot extensor tendonitis typically involves a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE protocol) for 2-3 days during acute pain, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen for 7-10 days to reduce inflammation and pain 1. Some key considerations for treatment include:
- Relative rest and reduced activity to prevent further damage and promote healing and pain relief 1
- Cryotherapy, such as repeated applications of melting ice water through a wet towel for 10-minute periods, for acute relief of tendinopathy pain 1
- Eccentric strengthening as an effective treatment of tendinopathy and may reverse degenerative changes 1
- NSAIDs for short-term pain relief, but with no effect on long-term outcomes 1
- Topical NSAIDs as an effective alternative with potentially fewer systemic side effects 1 It is essential to note that the duration of rest and avoidance of activity is not clearly defined, and the use of orthotics and braces may be guided by clinical experience and patient preference 1. Additionally, therapeutic ultrasonography, corticosteroid iontophoresis, and phonophoresces are of uncertain benefit for tendinopathy, while extracorporeal shock wave therapy appears to be a safe and effective means of pain relief for chronic tendinopathies 1. Surgery may be considered in carefully selected patients who have failed three to six months of conservative therapy 1.