Peroneal Tendonitis

Symptoms of Peroneal Tendonitis

Common symptoms of peroneal tendonitis include:

• Swelling at the Ankle: One of the most noticeable signs is swelling around the ankle joint. This swelling can vary from mild to severe and often affects the ankle’s overall comfort and mobility.
• Pain at the Back of the Ankle: Patients frequently report a sharp or aching pain at the back of the ankle. This discomfort typically increases when the foot turns inward or outward and worsens with physical activity. Resting typically brings relief to those affected.
• Instability of the Foot and Ankle: Affected individuals may experience weakness or instability when bearing weight, making it challenging to stand or walk without support.
• Warmth to the Touch: Inflammation makes the affected area feel warm to the touch. This warmth indicates increased blood flow and swelling.

Recognizing these symptoms early on can help in seeking appropriate treatment and preventing further complications.

Peroneal Tendonitis Diagnosis

If you have these symptoms, a podiatrist must diagnose your peroneal tendonitis. Upon visiting a doctor, they will discuss your medical history to recognize situations of increased activity and overuse. They will then perform various checks to look for signs of tendon rupture, swelling, or inflammation. An x-ray or other type of scan might be called for in order to check for any breaks, abnormal swelling, or scar tissue.

Cause of Peroneal Tendonitis

The tendons sustain the ankle when bearing weight and also stabilize the arch when walking. These structures protect the ankle from sprains during repetitive motions like running and other exercises. If not functioning correctly, the feet rolling out can cause friction between the tendon and bone, resulting in inflammation.

Factors that contribute to peroneal tendonitis include:

• Overuse
• Sudden increase in physical activity
• Overly strenuous or incorrect training techniques
• Failure to complete proper rehabilitation following an ankle injury
• Recurrent ankle injuries
• High foot arches
• Tightness in calf muscles
• Weak peroneal tendons due to thickened scar tissue
• Unsupportive footwear

Peroneal Tendonitis Treatment Options

The doctor may recommend one method or a combination to reduce inflammation and ease strain on the tendons. Peroneal tendonitis treatment methods include:

• Conservative – These treatments focus on relieving symptoms and reducing inflammation without surgery. They include modifying activities to rest the ankle and using supportive devices like a walking boot or ankle brace.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – We may prescribe medicine to calm inflammation in the tendons and relieve pain. These include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn).
• Physical therapy – Stretching the peroneal and calf muscles lessens the amount of stress exerted during normal activities, reducing inflammation. Our St. Louis podiatrists may also suggest ice, heat, and ultrasounds.
• Surgery – Peroneal tendonitis generally responds well to the above methods as long as it is diagnosed and treated early. However, surgical intervention may be necessary if the tendonitis is chronically severe or if the tendon is torn. During surgery, the doctor will repair any tears and clean up the peroneal tendons and their surrounding tract.

Treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. At Missouri Foot & Ankle, we customize each treatment plan to match the specific severity of your condition.

Get Relief from Peroneal Tendonitis Today!

If you are experiencing symptoms of peroneal tendonitis, it’s essential to seek professional help to alleviate your discomfort. At Missouri Foot & Ankle, our team provides expert diagnosis and treatment plans to manage your condition effectively. Whether through conservative methods, medication, or, if necessary, surgical intervention, our foot and ankle doctors in St. Louis will help you return to your daily activities pain-free.

Don’t let peroneal tendonitis hold you back—request your appointment today and take the first step toward recovery!