Peroneal tendinopathy is a cause of pain on the lower outer leg, and/or ankle, and/or foot. The pain is due to trauma or inflammation to the peroneal tendons. Poor foot posture and overuse are the main cause of peroneal tendinopathy.
What is peroneal tendinopathy?
Peroneal tendinopathy is an umbrella term given to pain, inflammation or injury to the peroneal tendons. The peroneal tendons run from the two peroneal muscles (peroneus longus and peroneus brevis) that are positioned on the outside of the leg on the fibula, which is the smaller of the two leg bones. The peroneal tendons then course around the outside of the ankle and attach at the foot.
Peroneal tendinopathy can be either chronic (long lasting) or acute (occurs suddenly) and may be the result of either inflammation or damage to the tendon.
What causes peroneal tendinopathy?
Peroneal tendinopathy is most frequently observed in athletes such as runners or dancers, particularly those who have a previous history of ankle instability as a result of frequent sprains to the ankle. Other causes of peroneal tendinopathy include:
- Sudden trauma
- Over-use
- An inversion injury to the ankle (going 'over' on the ankle)
- Misalignment of the ankle
- Poor foot posture (e.g. over-pronation)
- Tight calf muscles
What are the signs and symptoms of peroneal tendinopathy?
The signs and symptoms of peroneal tendinopathy may include the following:
- Tenderness and pain on the outside of the ankle. The pain is worse upon activity and when palpated
- Pain when peroneals are stretched (inverting the foot so that the toes point towards the opposite leg)
- Pain when the foot is everted against resistance
- Heat
- Redness
How is peroneal tendinopathy diagnosed?
One of our podiatrists here at Chiropody.co.uk will diagnose peroneal tendinopathy based on a thorough history, the signs and symptoms and an examination of the foot, ankle and peroneal tendons.
Benefits of podiatry for peroneal tendinopathy
The benefits that can be achieved following assessment and treatment at Chiropody.co.uk for peroneal tendinopathy include the following:
- Decrease in muscle tightness
- Increase in muscle strength
- Decrease in pain
- Decrease in inflammation
- Improvement in lower limb mechanics
Benefits are achieved by providing you with a treatment plan that is designed to ease any pain and inflammation associated with the tendinopathy. You will also be provided with exercises and / or orthoses that are designed to improve the function of the foot and ankle, which will prevent the condition from worsening or returning.
What would podiatry for peroneal tendinopathy involve?
Podiatry for peroneal tendinopathy would involve a thorough history, your own personal account of the problem and an examination of the peroneal tendons in order to replicate the symptoms and to locate the source of pain. If poor foot posture is contributing your painful symptoms then you may be referred for a biomechanical assessment in order to correct the poor foot posture and reduce any pain.
Upon the diagnosis of peroneal tendinopathy one or more of the following treatments may be recommended:
- Rest
- Ice
- Anti-inflammatory advice
- Orthotics
- wedges
- Stretching Programmes
- Acupressure
- Manipulation / mobilisation
- Massage
- Myofascial release
- Soft tissue mobilisation
- Trigger point therapy
- Strapping
Summary
Peroneal tendinopathy is an umbrella term for pain, injury or inflammation of one or both ofthe peroneal tendons. The peroneal tendons are on the outside of the lower leg, they course around the outside of the ankle and attach at the foot.
The pain associated with peroneal tendinopathy can be either chronic or acute. Typically it is athletes who have a history of previous ankle injury that are most at risk of peroneal tendinopathy, however anybody can get the condition due to, for example, sudden trauma, over-use and poor foot posture.
If you think you have peroneal tendinopathy one of our podiatrists will be able to help you.
To arrange an assessment with one our podiatrists please email office@chiropody.co.uk or call 0330 088 4222.
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FAQs
Depending on the severity of the condition, you may be prescribed a brace or other device to help rest your foot/ankle and limit excess movement. You may also need physical therapy for about 4-6 weeks to help with pain and swelling and also to strengthen the tendon after it has healed.
What is the treatment for peroneal tendinopathy? ›
Immobilization: You might need a soft cast or boot to immobilize your foot and take weight off your tendons so they can heal. Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce pain and inflammation.
What is the fastest way to cure peroneal tendonitis? ›
Treatment for peroneal tendonitis begins with ice, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications. Rest is especially important, as the peroneal tendon can heal quickly if the tendons are given a chance to recover. Other conservative treatments include: Compression.
Does walking aggravate peroneal tendonitis? ›
Peroneal tendinopathy is a condition that often causes pain around the outside of the ankle or foot which eases with rest and worsens with activity such as walking, running and jumping.
Should I wrap my foot for peroneal tendonitis? ›
Peroneal Tendonitis taping provides effective relief from outside ankle pain. It shortens the tendon to reduce its workload through the gait cycle. It is one of the most effective forms of pain relief for this condition, and it is easy to apply yourself.
What is the best orthotic for peroneal tendonitis? ›
We recommend PowerStep Insoles for Peroneal Tendonitis due to their firm shell, EVA foam past and rearfoot medial posting.
What triggers peroneal tendonitis? ›
Factors that can contribute to peroneal tendonitis include: overuse. a sudden increase in training, particularly weight-bearing activities, such as walking, running, and jumping. improper training techniques.
What heals tendinopathy? ›
Rest. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) can help with inflammation and swelling. Corticosteroid injections.
What medication is used for peroneal tendonitis? ›
In the acute phase of any ankle injury, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen and naproxen can be used to decrease pain and swelling. In cases of moderate pain, acetaminophen or tramadol may be used for a brief period. Opioid medication should be avoided except in cases with severe pain.
Do compression socks help with peroneal tendonitis? ›
Conservative treatment for Peroneal Tendinitis includes:
Stretching and strengthening exercises with a Theraband. Therapeutic laser. Compression therapy generally with prescription compression stockings.
Conservative Treatment
The vast majority of peroneal tendinosis will heal without surgery. This is because it is an overuse injury and can heal with rest. If there is significant pain, a CAM Walker boot for several weeks is a good idea.
Can bad shoes cause peroneal tendonitis? ›
Peroneal tendonitis is a common injury in runners, dancers, and other athletes who put a lot of stress on their lower limbs. The condition is also seen in people who wear high heels or ill-fitting shoes.
Can a podiatrist treat peroneal tendonitis? ›
Typically it is athletes who have a history of previous ankle injury that are most at risk of peroneal tendinopathy, however anybody can get the condition due to, for example, sudden trauma, over-use and poor foot posture. If you think you have peroneal tendinopathy one of our podiatrists will be able to help you.
How does a podiatrist treat tendonitis? ›
Treatment will focus on relieving the pain and preventing further injury. Your podiatrist may create shoe inserts or a soft cast to effectively immobilize the affected area for a period of time. (Often, a couple of weeks are needed for the tendon to heal.) Medication can help too.
What can peroneal tendonitis be mistaken for? ›
Peroneal tendonitis or tear is often confused with other conditions, such as Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis. Contact our office today by calling (503) 925-6772!
How do you know if you need surgery for peroneal tendonitis? ›
Takeaway. Your peroneal tendons can get injured due to a sudden injury or from repetitive stress on your ankle. Your doctor may recommend surgery if conservative treatment options don't offer you pain relief. Surgery can be highly effective at treating your injury with a fairly low risk of side effects.
How long do you have to wear a boot for peroneal tendonitis? ›
Initial treatments may involve resting and protecting the sore tendons. We may need to immobilize your foot and lower leg in a short-leg walking boot for two to four weeks. In less severe cases, we may have you use a stirrup ankle brace, arch support, or lateral heel wedge to take tension off the sore tendons.
