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Inferior Extensor Retinaculum Strain

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What is Inferior Extensor Retinaculum and What is its Function?

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To understand the location and function of Inferior Extensor Retinaculum it is important to understand what retinaculum actually means. The term retinaculum is given to any region of the body where tendons from different muscles pass under one connective tissue band. Now, coming to the Inferior Extensor Retinaculum, this is situated in the front part of the ankle. The inferior extensor retinaculum is located at the front of the ankle joint and is attached laterally to the heel bone. The Inferior Extensor Retinaculum is double layered with one layer passing behind and another layer passing above the tendons of the Extensor Digitorum Longus muscle. These two layers then join together and encase the tendons within them. The Inferior Extensor Retinaculum can get strained or injured if excess amount of pressure is put on the ankle. Inferior Extensor Retinaculum Strain is normally seen with athletes who sprint and run. It can also happen to any person if for any reason there is undue pressure put on the ankle such as standing for long periods of time, a slip and fall off of a curb and twisting the ankle, or being hit on the ankle by an object. The Inferior Extensor Retinaculum Strain is treated conservatively with wraps and support along with use of ice, coolants and heat therapy.

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Inferior Extensor Retinaculum Strain
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Signs and Symptoms of Inferior Extensor Retinaculum Strain

The main symptoms indicating Inferior Extensor Retinaculum Strain are:

  • Moderate to severe pain in the ankle and foot with ambulating or running or in fact any movement of the foot.
  • Swelling and tenderness in the ankle region of the foot and the lower legs.
  • Difficulty in wearing shoes and socks with experience of pain in the foot and ankle.

What can Cause Inferior Extensor Retinaculum Strain?

Inferior Extensor Retinaculum Strain can be caused due to a variety of reasons spanning from excessive load put on the ankle and foot to simple slip and fall injury or forceful twisting of the ankle. It may also be caused due to certain medical conditions where the tendons and muscles get inflamed. To sum it up some of the common causes of Inferior Extensor Retinaculum Strain are simple twisting injury, or injuries which result in tear to ligament or tendons.

What is the Treatment for Inferior Extensor Retinaculum Strain?

First and foremost rest is recommended for an individual with Inferior Extensor Retinaculum Strain so that healing takes place in an expedited fashion. Complete immobilization of the affected foot is necessary for which the physician may recommend casting as well.

Use of NSAIDs is recommended to control swelling, pain, and inflammation associated with inferior extensor retinaculum strain. In very rare cases, surgery is required to treat a Strained Inferior Extensor Retinaculum.

Recovery Period of Inferior Extensor Retinaculum

After a period of about two weeks of immobilization, the patient will be put on partial weightbearing on the affected foot for a few days to a week followed by full weightbearing and then gradual return to activities after recuperating from a Inferior Extensor Retinaculum Strain.

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:January 23, 2019

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