What is Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle and What is its Function?[1]
The Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle is situated in the front part of the leg and neighbors the Peroneus Brevis Muscle and Tibialis Anterior Muscle. The function of the Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle is to facilitate extension of the foot at the ankle as well as the toes. The upper thirds of the muscle extends over to the fibula and traverses underneath the crural and transverse ligaments. Once the muscle passes these ligaments then it gets divided and gets fixed to the second through fourth toes and facilitates motion of the toes. The Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle is innervated by the deep peroneal nerve and blood supply is maintained to this muscle by the anterior tibial artery. Any damage or injury to this muscle may result in various dysfunctions like problems with negotiating stairs, running, and playing sports. The damaged Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle can be treated with an extensive exercise regimen and other conservative forms of treatment which have been described below.
Signs and Symptoms of Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle Strain[2]
Some of the symptoms that point towards a Strained Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle are:
- Pain on the top of the foot and around the toes
- Problems with raising the foot to any significant degree
- Feeling of numbness on the top of the foot
- Frequent cramping of the foot
- Development of deformities like claw toe or hammertoes.
What can Cause Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle Strain?[3]
Some of the activities that can cause a Strained Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle are:
- Stubbing toes too frequently
- Soccer players who need to kick the football frequently are also at an increased risk for damaging the Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle
- Professional cyclist who participate in long distance cycling also put at risk the Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle due to frequent hard pedaling of the bicycle
- People who have to negotiate stairs frequently are also at risk of damaging the Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle
Risk Factors of Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle Strain
Some of the medical conditions that may result in a Strained Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle are:
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Clawtoe deformity
- Gout
What is the Treatment for Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle Strain?[4]
Some of the treatments for Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle Strain are:
Cold Therapy Treatment for Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle Strain: There are many forms of gels and cold packs available in the market and over the counter which can go a long way in helping with treatment of an injured Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle. The gels that are available are normally used immediately after an injury or strain as it immediately cools the area and prevents swelling from developing in the area. It has been proved such gels or coolants have healed injuries to the Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle twice quickly than normal application of ice and the pain relief is more longer lasting. The gel is used by rubbing it at the injured site up to the ankle.
Warm Therapy for Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle Strain: This type of therapy can also be used for treating an injured Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle. This gel provides adequate warmth to the injured area without actually burning the area. It works fantastically well in relieving pain and stiffness post an injury to the Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle. This gel needs to be put at the bottom of the foot and rubbed through to the ankle for best results. It should be noted here that warm therapy should never be used when using ice packs or heat packs as this may result in blistering of the skin
Calf Muscle Brace and Support: These types of wraps are quite adjustable and help in providing support to the injured Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle. These wraps are helpful in providing adequate compression and facilitate relaxation of the injured muscle to facilitate speedy healing from a strained Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle.