Peroneal Tendons
What Is Peroneal Tendonitis?
Peroneal Tendonitis is an inflammation of the peroneal tendons due to overuse of the lower limbs or improper running techniques.
Although full recovery is possible in almost all cases, healing takes time.
Who Does Peroneal Tendonitis Affect?
Peroneal Tendonitis affects individuals who perform repeated stressful activities such as running and jogging, and athletes. It is also more likely to occur in obese individuals, individuals with flat feet and women who wear high heeled shoes.
How Does Peroneal Tendonitis Occur?
Peroneal tendons connect the fibula bone in the lower leg with the foot at the ankle joint. Each leg has two peroneal tendons, and their main task is to provide stabilization of the ankle joint and foot arch during walking and other activities such as bearing weight.
Peroneal Tendonitis occurs due to extensive repeated straining of the tendons by overuse and incomplete rest.
The injured tendons react by inflammation, resulting in pain. Peroneal Tendonitis is a repetitive stress injury.
Causes of Peroneal Tendonitis
Peroneal Tendonitis occurs due to repetitive ankle motions and improper use or overuse of the ankle joint. Certain risk factors for Peroneal Tendonitis development include:
- Overuse,
- Constant heavy running and jumping, and athletes,
- Walking gait abnormalities,
- Obesity,
- Improper footwear,
- Running or jogging on hard surfaces,
- Flat feet or high arches, and
- Previous ankle injury that wasn’t treated properly.
Symptoms of Peroneal Tendonitis
The symptoms for Peroneal Tendonitis are similar in both acute and chronic renditions. The symptoms include:
- Tenderness and swelling at the back of the affected ankle,
- Pain at the back of the affected ankle,
- Pain that occurs with moving the foot in and out,
- Pain that reduces with rest but becomes worse with activity, and
- Lower leg area is warm to the touch
Stages of Peroneal Tendonitis
There are no stages of Peroneal Tendonitis, however, the pain gets worse with repeated activity without treatment and rest in all cases.
How Is Peroneal Tendonitis Diagnosed?
The diagnosis for Peroneal Tendonitis is made by taking a complete history and performing a complete physical examination.
Additionally, the doctor may employ one or more of the following imaging methods to rule out any differential diagnosis that cause similar pain. These procedures may include:
- X-Rays of foot in AP, lateral and external oblique views,
- Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) of the foot,
- Ultrasound of the affected area.
How Is Peroneal Tendonitis Treated?
The main aim of treatment in Peroneal Tendonitis is improving quality of life by reducing pain.
Rest
Rest is an absolutely vital part of the management, allowing the tendons to heal. The patient is instructed to abstain from any and all activities that may aggravate the already injured tendons.
The treatment for Peroneal Tendonitis can be separated into two main approaches: Non-operative and Operative.
Non-Operative Treatment for Peroneal Tendonitis
Non-operative management is the first-line of treatment. Pain caused by Peroneal Tendonitis responds well to over the counter anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen and Tylenol.
The doctor will also recommend a conservative approach including stretching exercises, physical therapy, icing, external bracing and shoes that provide additional support to the foot.
In chronic cases, a corticosteroid injection
may become necessary to alleviate pain. The patient is also advised to warm up before strenuous activities and lose weight if they are overweight.
Surgery for Peroneal Tendonitis
If the non-operative management is unable to relieve the pain and swelling, surgery may be required as a last resort.
A procedure known as tendon release is performed to provide relief. The surgical is a rare requirement when treating this condition.
What if Peroneal Tendonitis Is Untreated?
If left untreated or improperly managed, Peroneal Tendonitis can resut in reduced quality of life due to persistent pain and affect mobility.
Chances of a tendon tear also increase with associated nerve damage.
Treatment Process
Preparation for Surgery
- Provide a complete list of your medications so you can be advises which to stopped prior to surgery,
- Treat any tooth, gum, bladder or bowel problems before surgery to reduce the risk of infection
- Stop anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) at least seven days before the procedure.
- Stop or cut down smoking to reduce your surgery risks and improve your recovery
- Consider losing weight (if overweight) before surgery
Day of Surgery
- Report any infections to me prior to surgery as the procedure cannot be performed until all infections have cleared up.
- Do not consume alcohol - 24 hours prior to treatment,
- Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for 6 hours before surgery
- Avoid vigorous physical activity or exercise 24 hours prior to surgery,
During Surgery
- Administration of general anesthesia or sedation and local anesthesia
- The entire procedure can take 60 minutes to two hours.
- Procedure is performed and sent to recovery room, for observation
- Pain medications are prescribed to help with pain during the recovery phase.
After Surgery
- Do not consume large amounts of alcohol after surgery,
- Avoid vigorous physical activity or exercise until advised,
- Follow the Post Surgery Treatment Plan proscribed by the surgeon and post op care specialists.
- Any questions or complications should be communicated directly to the surgeon
Common Questions
If you have a specific question about your treatment, we recommend contacting the clinic
