Peroneal tendinopathy

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:

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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