Peroneal Tendonitis

What is Peroneal Tendonitis?

Peroneal tendonitis occurs when an excessive amount of tension is put on the soft tissue causing the tendons to become damaged. The peroneal muscles are the group of muscles located in the lower leg found between the fibula to other bones in the outside of the leg. These muscles are responsible for movement of the foot and ankle away from the body. This injury is common with patients who undergo a lot of walking and running activities, particularly on uneven ground and slopes. Overuse of the tendon, especially in sports such as football, gymnastics and basketball rapid changing of direction is also a cause of peroneal tendonitis due to the gradual tension put on the soft tissue.

Causes

• Excessive tension on the peroneal tendon
• Overuse injury
• Common after running and walking

Symptoms

• Gradual onset of pain in the outer ankle and foot
• Pain when touching the area
• Swelling and bruising

Treatment

• RICE method
• Rest
• Physiotherapy

Peroneal Tendonitis Diagnosis

In order to diagnose peroneal tendonitis, a doctor will give a full examination of the area and an MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any further injury or complications.

Peroneal Tendonitis Recovery Time

Six weeks. A peroneal tendonitis can take up to six weeks to heal properly, but this will differ dependent on the severity of your injury.

Further Info

Patients who suffer peroneal tendonitis often feel pain on the outside of the foot and ankle which is accelerated in activity which puts further tension on the peroneal tendon. As this injury tends to come as a result of over use, pain is likely to increase gradually over a period of time which becomes more prominent in the morning. Pain also becomes more apparent when pressure is applied or the injury is touched. In order to treat peroneal tendonitis, rest is crucial so to not damage the tendon any further and to stay away from any activity that could aggravate the knee or causes any pain or discomfort to the area. Continuing any strenuous activity or resuming sport will not only hinder the healing process, but it could lead to further damage. Applying ice to the area is also an important aspect of recovery for any tendon injury as it will minimise any swelling and inflammation of the area. Following the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) when the injury first occurs and within the following 72 hours will ensure no further damage is caused to the area and prevent any further swelling of the injury which may come from resuming activity. Anti-Inflammatory medications may be taken to relive the pain of the injury and also to minimise any swelling. A strengthening program may also be advised by a physiotherapist to keep the area strong and ensure flexibility once the injury had healed. This should not be done without professional advice as a patient can run the risk of aggravating the area and slow the healing process. In the final stages of recovery and in the first few months of returning to training, stretching exercises may be performed to keep the area stable and strong and can also help prevent the injury reoccurring.