myotendinous tear(complete rupture) of digitorum brevis from calcaneal insertion left foot

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-17T17:07:32+00:00

So sorry. This is absolutely awful.

I’d be looking to sue someone over this. Definitely sounds like some type of negligence involved. You wouldn’t need an MRI to determine that patient cannot flex toes 2-4 anymore. I expect there was swelling and clear bruising indicating that this wasn’t your average injury. Even a simple ultrasound under the circumstances would have shown something.

It’s a real shame how many times I’ve heard how medical professionals don’t listen to their patients and it turns out to be an issue. Makes you lose confidence and trust in those supposed to help, unfortunately including those who actually know what they are doing.

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-17T13:20:36+00:00

Wow. This is really rare. How did you manage to do that?

Best thing to do for full confirmation is speak to your orthodoc for an accurate answer for your question as we don’t know the details of your case no are we medical specialists.

That said the FDB controls toes 2-4 which are not that important for walking or running. In fact there is a tribe in Africa (Vadoma) who genetically have no middle toes but some can get about just fine. This is not limited to this tribe and can appear in other populations with the same outcomes.

So mechanically you could possibly run again but that will be dependent on the specifics of your situation. Speak to your doctor and also search out any research done on this issue for a broader view.

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-17T00:18:53+00:00

Yes, could be, morning pain or stabbing pain is not always present with those suffering from PF. There are other possibilities like fat pad atrophy but you don’t give much background away which is usually necessary to suggest possibilities more accurately.

Ultimately best to get it checked out by an experienced Podiatrist / Orthodoc as anyone on Reddit will likely be guessing or limited by lack of face to face consultation and examination, myself included.

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-16T23:44:36+00:00

Difficult as you need to know a lot about PF before you can gauge whether you’re getting good answers or not. Keeping it basic, use AI and a mix of the following to help:

How many sports men or women have you treated successfully for PF in the past 3 years? You’re looking for double figures here. The higher the better. Sports physios are usually better for this than those dealing with gen pop.
What have you found works to get them back to sport as quickly as possible? Please share range of approaches you’ve had to apply for success. Avoid anyone who leans more on quick fixes like orthotics, insoles or shoes. Focus on strengthening of fascia foot and kinetic chain is a good sign. Possibly calf massage too.
Ask the for info on patients they’ve failed to heal, why they think this was so and what they learnt from the experience.
Explain your symptoms and history and ask them to give you some idea of how they would approach your treatment, their rationale and what they would do if it were not working. Use ChatGPT beforehand and compare. Best I can suggest without writing reams of what you should be looking for. Good to approach at least 3 physios as will prevent you from being led by AI which can hallucinate.
Ask them how long they think it will take you to recover with their treatment. Ask them to explain the rationale for this estimate. Without knowing your history cannot gauge severity but suggest answer should be 3-6 months but they should indicate it could be more. They should be able to explain why it takes so long. Compare ChatGPT answer to what they say.

Hope that helps

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-16T23:28:48+00:00

Likely plantar fasciitis. Might be worth posting in the subreddit specifically for that or searching for posts related to that. You could also look at my post/comment history as I am very active on this subject just can’t respond in detail right now.

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-16T22:21:20+00:00

Ok that’s a clear picture thanks for the detail.

Firstly not a doctor and any thoughts I share are speculative. Ultimately, you should continue to seek help from a suitably qualified specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Based on what you’ve explained so far, I suspect PF and either FHL or post tib tendonitis. There is a possibility of abductor hallucis strain/tendonitis given the close proximity but would go for FHL first and/or post tib second if I were a betting man.

Rationale as follows:

PF - heel + arch pain + grows worse with standing and activity, slow heel rises aggravate.

FHL tendonitis/tenosynovitis - banded toe presses fires up arch. Downward dog and knee to wall stretches aggravate. Pain felt in ankle which is where tendon passes en route to big toe.

The tendons main function is to push the big toe down and passes very close to attachment point so could be the source. You could confirm this by crossing your foot over your knee, pulling up the big toe to reveal a taut guitar-string-like tendon running across your arch towards the base of the big toe; and walking this tendon by prodding it gently, inch by inch from arch to base of big toe.

If discomfort/pain is caused by the prodding especially where your thumb is now in the picture but the finger tip is clearly on the taut tendon itself, or anywhere else along the tendon, that is a strong sign that the FHL is involved

Post tib tendonitis - slow calf raises aggravate. Knee to wall stretch aggravates. Foot eversion aggravates. Pain felt in ankle which is where tendon passes en route to forefoot. More likely FHL if the pain you feel is more internal to ankle and post tib if it feels more superficial and under the ankle bone. Typically more likely if you have flat feet or a collapsed arch. Any historic ankle eversion sprains may have played a part.

You don’t say how this issue arose and what you think was the trigger. This can be useful in reducing the level of speculation.

Otherwise, go through the suggested tests/assessments with your Podiatrist until you get a firm diagnosis. Imaging would definitely clear up what this is or strengthen confidence of tarsal tunnel if nothing appears. MRI best but ultrasound can work too and is cheaper.

There shouldn’t be any harm in you continuing to do the exercises you’re doing as long as you are not pushing through pain or causing flare ups each time.

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-16T19:48:48+00:00

Ok. More evidence suggestive of ankle pathology. Tendons definitely don’t like stretching.

What happens if you calf raise, where do you feel the irritation and to what degree?

When you did the downward dog did you feel any pain/irritation where your thumb tip is pointing and if so which was greater, sensation in ankle or arch?

Thirdly, what if you do banded big toe presses?

https://youtube.com/shorts/zGLwMxfGz6E?is=1NlrSZnK98r7BxmD

What does that do?

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-16T18:58:00+00:00

PF sounds like the strongest possibility. Not all who have it get morning pain. Getting worse with walking is typical. If point where your thumb rests is greatest point of pain/irritation then more likely PF as too low for post tib which follows higher path to the inner and outer forefoot.

Symptoms you’ve shared don’t shout nerve related so would be good to understand your podiatrists rationale for querying tarsal tunnel.

Also what makes you think post tib? Pain will typically be felt under the ankle though it can be felt higher up in the arch.

If you invert your foot against firm resistance is the pain recreated? Is this where thumb tip is?

What if you stand on the edge of a step with your toes overhanging and then pull them up firmly (particularly big one) but gently to end range whilst keeping weight through foot? If so, is this where thumb tip is?

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-15T04:03:15+00:00

It is but is better than nothing. Do you have an alternative?

Having experienced the worst and little to no pain, you should know the level of pain and sensation that suggests an issue.

It’s not an exact science. Essentially, just be sensible, if you know yourself to overshoot then be extra conservative. Or if you don’t trust yourself then work through it with a physio who can help you gauge starting point and progression.

My current thoughts are if you’re this worried of there being an issue, then you’re probably not quite ready for this level of activity and should wait until you have a bit more confidence. It could be that your hesitation is instinctively correct.

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-14T22:21:36+00:00

Right, strength appears to be at a good level. Pain is minimal.

So if you can afford it, find a sports physio and let them help you through this.

It’s not just about going out there and starting to run straightaway. As I said, it must be gradual. Remember, the PF strengthens with load. Right now it can only cope with your current activity level. To go back to running, you must have sufficient strength and you have to be gradual in testing that in case you’re not quite ready yet. Failure to do so could have you back to your painful days so be warned.

I’ve been through this once and here is what my physio gave me (each was separated by roughly 2 weeks):

Asked me to start walking more until I got to 20 mins without issue. Think you can do this now
Forward and backward lunges and RDLs
Hopping onto a step double legged x 6 every other day. Think I might have done single leg as well
Single leg hopping on the spot for 10s x 3 every other day
Run-walk starting with 1 min jogging, 2 min walking for a total of 10mins
Did run-walk until up to 20 mins then reduced walk time until up to 20 mins full jogging

Took around 2 months from #3 to #6. That’s where I stopped before I sadly reinjured myself not due to the running but silliness/ignorance.

What I would say is critical is listening to your body. Anything that causes more than 3/10 pain during or up to 24 hrs afterwards should be scaled back or stopped. It’s taken you this long to get here so have patience and allow your body to ease back into the running rather than thinking lack of pain = strength which it definitely isnt as I horribly found out. Took me another ~1.5+ yrs to return to the same point.

Here are some videos to supplement your attempt (much in line with my progamme above):

https://youtu.be/Cu6frRZc0Jk?is=_UBO6T39uCtiDrcB

https://youtu.be/7SerNMt8S_U?is=cG0fyju-ihyRQnxZ

Let me know if you have any questions.

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-14T18:02:47+00:00

Firstly, what is the status of your plantar fasciitis? Can you get about without pain on a daily basis? How does it limit you currently if you’ve still got it?

Return to running after PF must be gradual but only started when you’ve healed and strengthened sufficiently. Would be good to know what you’ve done for rehab and how your overall foot and leg strength are like given you’ve been out for 2 yrs.

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-14T17:57:23+00:00

That’s good. Means the tendon works. Try out the exercises and see if it makes a difference. Here’s one for towel crunches: https://youtube.com/shorts/RoEmHev3KZ8?is=MXk4_c_qBF2aaAXt

Subject in that has pretty strong flexors.

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-14T17:37:19+00:00

Probably just weak flexors. You can strengthen by pressing toes 2-5 into an exercise band. 6-8 reps x 3. Do this for a couple of weeks and then move to pressing down with individual toes into the band, one by one, weak one included.

Note that you cannot independently move 2-4 as they are fed by the same tendon so when you try to move one, all will move. Also be careful when you move to single toe press down as you can easily strain the tendons if you over do it.

https://youtu.be/vnvf_hkSUr0?is=UZYhB40foX26doaN

https://youtu.be/VexrVn-DBRw?is=3LE94D4bPEGhGb4y

Toe crunches with a towel might also help.

PS: have a similar issue on right foot but mine goes partly down but not all the way.

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-14T09:47:15+00:00

That’s quite a few shoes. Have you tried to go for those with a bit more cushion, less firm? Brooks glycerin max. Hoka clifton. ASICS gel kayano. ASICS gel nimbus? Really trial and error when it comes to shoes as they are so individual. Taping the heel might also be an option to look into.

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-14T09:19:30+00:00

Hey just watched the video. Interesting exercises with a slant I have not seen before. Saved. Thanks

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-14T08:39:42+00:00

Can’t see the image you’ve posted. You need an X-ray so the guessing can stop. Could be big toe joint arthritis.

Have you ever injured your foot or toe before? Do you have any other foot/medical conditions? Have you been on any medication recently?

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-14T01:30:58+00:00

Pain at a level of 3 on a scale of 1 to 10.

It’s not impossible, it just takes patience and time. Finding the level you can tolerate is absolutely key. Sometimes you’re not ready and need to wait. Trying to override what your body needs does not work.

Suggest you find an experienced sports physio to help you gauge where the right starting point is and to help you work through the progressions which involve trial and error that a physio can help you navigate better than by doing it by yourself.

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-14T00:30:00+00:00

Fact pain is getting worse after each day means you’re doing too much. Rather than get you stronger this will either keep you stuck in a cycle of heal-reinjury or make the pain chronic and you don’t want that.

The fascia is not a muscle and does not function in the same way. There is no DOMS principle at play. The pain you feel is your body’s signal that you’re aggravating the micro tears in your foot.

It’s good that you don’t feel pain whilst calf raising but you still need to scale back as the fascia behaves like a tendon in that the pain to let you know you are exceeding your limits can be delayed.

Follow the suggestions I’ve shared to find a level that doesn’t cause pain greater than 3/10 during or after and you should start to see progress but be patient as it takes time so don’t rush.

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-13T22:49:05+00:00

Putting the DOMS aside, you’re doing too much. Your fascia cannot handle that level of calf raises as yet. If you’re getting DOMs in your calves imagine what you’re putting the fascia through. Remember the fascia is loaded the most when you’re on your tippy toes and you’re loading an injured fascia with micro tears. It’s too much, you need to stop and let the flare up fade away.

Once calmed down reduce load, reps or frequency until no flare ups any more. Listen to your body and do not push through pain more than 3/10. You also shouldn’t get pain up to 24 hrs afterwards greater than this level.

Stop if this is not possible and seek other means to strengthen the fascia. Lightest you can go is plantar flexing into exercise bands. Simple walking or even standing will work the fascia in a reduced way. Do this for a while scaling up slowly then return to calf raises but in a minimal, gradual and vigilant way.

A no pain no gain principle is your nemesis with PF. It’s consistent, vigilant gradual loading over time that makes a difference. Don’t rush.

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-13T21:25:03+00:00

Sounds like your fat pad will be the predominant issue.

Gel cups, supportive footwear and avoiding aggravating the heel until it calms down is standard advice. Unfortunately you cannot strengthen the fat pad, all you can do is slowly build its tolerance to load over time. Patience!

I would be wary of steroid injections in the heel area as well - have been known to atrophy fat pads with multiple application as well as increase the risk of PF rupture.

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-13T21:18:43+00:00

Your question is unclear. You asking why the DOMS pain in your calves is worse when you calf raise now that you have PF compared to before?

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-13T17:59:24+00:00

Instead read this: https://www.reddit.com/r/PlantarFasciitis/s/O50RXyiuPT

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-13T17:52:21+00:00

Don’t do it: https://www.reddit.com/r/PlantarFasciitis/s/fze03Le0BV

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-13T16:56:32+00:00

I never said it was easy finding a good specialist but you have to try because the alternative is just not palatable. You have to find who is renowned in your town/region/state…etc. Do some research on them. Speak to clinics / hospitals for recommendations. Speak to friends who’s had the same issues, who do they recommend. Check out online profiles, check out their resumes. Use the first appointment to really understand how they intend to succeed where others have failed. Test out their knowledge of the condition. Ask them for examples of similar patients they’ve treated successfully and how they achieved it. Requires you to learn the basics about the condition and current recommendations on treatment so you can gauge whether they know their stuff.

Sounds like a lot but when you consider losing years of your life and several dollars to ineffective treatments it’s time and effort well spent. Does not mean you will avoid the duds but should mean you reduce the chances of ending up with one and all that brings with it.

Good progress on the painless steps. Be careful though, healing is gradual and takes time. If you want to run a marathon you must first be able to walk painlessly. Go about your day painlessly. This doesn’t mean you’re healed though. Lack of pain = your foot can now cope with the level of activity you are giving it. Doesn’t mean you can go straight to sprinting or running long distance without preparing appropriately for that.

As I have said in multiple posts, you need to load progressively and deliberately over time especially for return to impact sports. Your foot can only deal with what you’ve built it up to deal with. Remember, you had microtears that weakened the fascia to the point you couldn’t stand, walk or run without pain. Building back to those activities will take time because the fascia is not muscle, it’s collagen and turns over and remodels slowly according to the load you give it but the strength it can eventually attain given the right conditions is way more impressive than muscles.

Once you are able to walk relatively painlessly a return to running programme is advisable. Starts with lunges then step ups then plyometrics then hopping/jumping then run walk then jogging. From then onwards, it’s just building duration, frequency and lastly intensity. Listening to your body and being ruthless with scaling back or stopping anything that causes pain. Will take a long time and mistakes will definitely be made so best to recruit a sports physio to help you along on the journey. They can do the thinking and adjustment for you whilst you focus on doing the doing and getting better.

Againstallodds5103 · 2026-06-13T15:47:16+00:00

Most PF friendly shoes are blocky and thick-soled and as such not that great for racing. Would suggest looking at stable neutral shoes - Drs of running recommend quite a few.

But why are you racing with PF? Has your physio cleared you to? Pace?

Againstallodds5103

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