Peroneal tendonitis is a condition that develops when the peroneal tendons in your legs are inflamed. It is an overuse injury usually caused by the tendons in the legs rubbing against bone which results in inflammation. As a reaction to the inflammation, the peroneal tendons thicken in size to manage the pressure placed on them.
This injury is most common among athletes and highly active individuals because their frequent movements cause friction between the peroneal tendon and bone.
What Is The Peroneal Tendon?
The two peroneal tendons are bands of tissue in your leg that help attach the muscles to the bones. The first tendon runs down your leg and goes around the ankle bone, attaching itself to your foot’s smallest toe. The other tendon runs down your leg and curves inside the arch. Without the peroneal tendons, you won’t have the stability required in load-bearing.
Peroneal Tendonitis Symptoms
An injury to the peroneal tendon is classified as either acute or chronic. However, they share the same symptoms. With acute peroneal tendonitis, the symptoms will last for a short time. Chronic peroneal tendonitis causes the symptoms to return repeatedly. Symptoms of peroneal tendonitis are:
- Pain in the ankle that gets worse during physical activity
- Swelling in the ankle area
- Pain when the ankle is rotated
- Warm sensation in the ankle area
- Ankle instability
Causes of Peroneal Tendonitis
Peroneal tendonitis is typically caused by overuse of the tendon, which leads to inflammation. Activities like running, dancing, skating, skiing, horse riding, and others that require excessive ankle rotation can damage the peroneal tendons. Inadequate warm-up sessions, improper footwear, and poor foot biomechanics can also cause peroneal tendonitis. Finally, spraining your ankle frequently can eventually damage the peroneal tendons and cause chronic instability.
If not treated by a medical professional, peroneal tendonitis can lead to a tendon tear or permanent nerve damage. For this reason, it’s best to have it treated immediately before the condition gets worse. Treatment will typically include taking it easy, refraining from intense physical activity and sports, resting, and physical therapy.
Foot and Ankle Doctor in Cincinnati
If you suspect that you’ve developed peroneal tendonitis, the foot and ankle doctors at Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care can diagnose and treat your condition.
Our podiatrists and highly-trained and experienced surgeons use their knowledge and skills to care for a broad range of conditions affecting the foot and ankle. The goal is to get you back on your feet as soon as possible. We also believe in preventive care when it comes to foot and ankle conditions and injuries. Through preventive care, your doctor can identify early signs of issues and recommend treatments before serious conditions or injuries develop.
For your convenience, we have several locations from which to serve you and are flexible with appointment schedules. Check the Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care location nearest you or send us a request for an appointment now. Our friendly staff of physicians, podiatrists, and therapists are happy to serve you!
