## Overview Deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) tendinopathy encompasses degenerative or traumatic injury to the tendon, most commonly where it courses over the navicular bone or in the pastern. It produces chronic or intermittent forelimb lameness and is a major component of podotrochlear syndrome. ## Causes Repetitive strain, navicular bone interaction, and age-related degeneration. Acute overload can initiate or worsen lesions. ## Diagnosis Lameness examination, nerve blocks, and imaging. Ultrasound evaluates the pastern region; MRI is useful for assessing lesions within the hoof; CT can also identify some DDFT lesions. ## Treatment Rest, controlled rehabilitation, shoeing changes, anti-inflammatories, and regenerative or surgical therapies in selected cases. ## Recovery and Prognosis Variable. Mild lesions often improve; severe or chronic tendinopathy limits long-term athletic use. ## Prevention Appropriate conditioning and early attention to foot pain.
chronic or intermittent forelimb lameness; positive palmar digital nerve block; shortened stride; pointing; worse on hard surfaces or circles
## Overview Deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) tendinopathy encompasses degenerative or traumatic injury to the tendon, most commonly where it courses over the navicular bone or in the pastern. It produces chronic or intermittent forelimb lameness and is a major component of podotrochlear syndrome. ## Causes Repetitive strain, navicular bone interaction, and age-related degeneration. Acute overload can initiate or worsen lesions. ## Diagnosis Lameness examination, nerve blocks, and imaging. Ultrasound evaluates the pastern region; MRI is useful for assessing lesions within the hoof; CT can also identify some DDFT lesions. ## Treatment Rest, controlled rehabilitation, shoeing changes, anti-inflammatories, and regenerative or surgical therapies in selected cases. ## Recovery and Prognosis Variable. Mild lesions often improve; severe or chronic tendinopathy limits long-term athletic use. ## Prevention Appropriate conditioning and early attention to foot pain.
chronic or intermittent forelimb lameness; positive palmar digital nerve block; shortened stride; pointing; worse on hard surfaces or circles