Peroneal tendonitis is a condition that results when the peroneal tendons become inflamed, often caused by overuse or repetitive motions of the foot and ankle, such as during running, playing basketball, or dancing. People with weak ankles are also at greater risk for this condition.
The peroneal tendons are located on the outside of the ankle and help to stabilize the foot and ankle and prevent sprains. When these tendons become irritated or inflamed, it can cause symptoms that make daily life and participating in activities difficult.
Let’s talk more about how peroneal tendonitis affects your life, how it is treated, and where you can get expert peroneal tendonitis treatment in Cincinnati.
How Peroneal Tendonitis Can Impact Daily Life
The most common symptom of peroneal tendonitis is pain along the outside of the lower leg, often worse upon waking in the morning and increasing with activity or when bearing weight on the affected foot. You may also experience swelling and tenderness in the area, as well as weakness and instability in your ankle joint. This can make it difficult to walk or stand for long periods of time without discomfort. In severe cases, you may even have difficulty putting weight on your affected foot due to pain.
Left untreated, peroneal tendonitis can lead to further damage to the tendons and surrounding tissues, including the rupture of one or both tendons (known as a complete tear). This can cause chronic instability in the ankle joint, which increases the risk of falls and injuries.
Peroneal Tendonitis Treatment
Treatment for peroneal tendonitis typically includes physical therapy. A physical therapy program for peroneal tendonitis can include ice, rest, exercises, manual therapy, the use of a walking boot, bracing, and proper footwear and orthotics. All of these can help with symptom management, improving flexibility and strength in the foot and ankle, and gradually returning you to your previous level of activity.
In cases where the peroneal tendons rupture, surgery can be performed to repair tearing and dislocation. The surgeon can perform one of several techniques, such as tendon repair, which removes or sutures the torn portion of the tendon, and tendon debridement, to clear away degenerate tissue.
For the expert treatment of peroneal tendonitis and its complications, choose a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon. Don’t put your chances to return to a physically active lifestyle at risk by choosing an inexperienced surgeon.
Peroneal Tendonitis Treatment in Cincinnati, OH
Peroneal tendonitis is just one of the many foot and ankle conditions that our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons at Cincinnati Foot & Ankle are highly experienced in treating. We understand how peroneal tendonitis can sideline you, which is why we use a combination of advanced and proven treatments to return you to normal.
Cincinnati Foot & Ankle has 18 locations across southwest Ohio. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, call our podiatry clinic most conveniently located for you, or use our online request form.