Peroneal Tendon Injuries Should Never Be Ignored
Peroneal tendon problems are not among the most common sports injuries, but they’re definitely among the most frustrating. An acute or degenerative tear in one or more of these tendons, or a subluxation in which the tendon slips out of its normal position, can sideline a runner, tennis player or soccer star for weeks, or longer.
Peroneal tendons – there are two on each foot - are bands of tissue that run next to each other behind the outer ankle bone. One peroneal tendon connects to the outer part of the midfoot; the other runs under the foot and connects near the inside of the arch.
Injury of one ore more of the peroneal tendons causes swelling, pain, weakness and instability of the foot and ankle. Peroneal tendon injuries are most often the result of:
- Overuse of the peroneal muscles
- An acute peroneal injury, such as the foot turning inward on the ankle
- Improper training or a rapid increase in training
- Poor shoe choice
- Hindfoot varus posture, in which the heel is slightly turned inward
- Incomplete rehabilitation of a sprain or other acute ankle injury
If you’re suffering from ankle pain or instability, it’s important to come in for an evaluation. Excessive wear and tear on the peroneal muscles can not only lead to tendon tears, but can also eventually cause the tendons to thicken and change the structure of your foot. At Central Massachusetts Podiatry, peroneal tendon problems are diagnosed with a physical examination. In some cases, advanced imaging may be ordered, as well.
We are highly experienced in treating peroneal tendon injuries and always offer preventative measures as part of this treatment to ensure that you don’t suffer a recurrence. Depending on the type and severity of your pereaonal tendon problem, treatment may include one or more of the following:
- Rest.
- Athletic footwear recommendations.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP injections can help stimulate healing and repair.
- Ankle braces.
- Ankle taping.
- A cast or splint
- Surgery. Only in cases of a severe tear or rupture is surgery necessary. There are various approaches to surgical repair of the peroneal tendon. The type performed depends on the location and extent of the rupture.