Especially when in combination with dancers, painful flexor hallucis longus tendons are referred to “dancer’s tendinitis” (Rowley et al., 2017).
Common reasons:
Injuries to the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon classically occur with repetitive plantar flexion or bending of the big toe. This injury is commonly seen in ballet dancers and runners due to frequent push-off maneuvers of the forefoot
Treatment:
Management of this condition involves following the PRICE regime and unloading the tendon.
References:
Rowley K.M. et al., 2017, Toe Flexor Strength, Flexibility and Function and Flexor Hallucis Longus Morphology in Dancers and Non-Dancers, Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 30(3); pp: 152-156
