Peroneal Tendonitis
There are two peroneal tendons that stabilize your foot and protect it from sprains. When one or both of them become inflamed, that’s called peroneal tendonitis.
Peroneal tendonitis is a condition characterized by inflammation or irritation of the peroneal tendons, which run along the outside of the ankle and foot. These tendons play a crucial role in stabilizing the ankle and facilitating movement.
Diagnosing
To diagnose peroneal tendonitis, we normally start with a thorough foot and ankle exam. During this we go over your medical history and activity level.
We'll perform various checks for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion.
Based on your symptoms, we may also take X-rays or order an MRI to rule out other conditions. We have ultrasounds in office to help visualize the tendons and their health.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of peroneal tendonitis include:
Pain along the outside of the ankle and foot, which may worsen with activity.
Swelling and tenderness around the peroneal tendons.
Stiffness in the ankle, particularly after periods of inactivity.
Instability or weakness in the ankle when walking or running.
Peroneal tendonitis can be easily confused with an ankle sprain, so it's important to see a podiatrist if you begin experiencing any of these symptoms. When you visit our office for an examination, we will take a careful look at the foot and ankle and may do an X-ray to evaluate the injury and rule out other possible causes of the pain.
Treatment
Peroneal tendonitis is a notoriously slow healer, and it will definitely not heal if you continue to do the activity that caused the injury.
In addition to rest, treatment options may include:
immobilizing the foot with a splint or cast to allow the injury to heal
custom orthotics
prescribing anti-inflammatory medications
physical therapy
Additionally our office can offer other regenerative medicine techniques to treat this problem, including our MLS pain laser treatments. These have shown to be effective in helping to bring blood flow and healing properties to the tendon.
Surgery is only used as a last resort and will only be considered if there has been a tear to the tendon. But we always try the most conservative treatments first.
Prevention
Preventing peroneal tendonitis can be achieved through several strategies:
Gradually increasing the intensity and duration of physical activities.
Wearing appropriate footwear that provides adequate support.
Incorporating strength training and flexibility exercises into a regular fitness routine.
Avoiding uneven surfaces and excessive repetitive motions that strain the ankle.
Listening to the body and taking breaks when experiencing pain or discomfort.