Peroneal Tendons

Peroneal tendon problems are fairly common. They can range from inflammation of a tendon (tendonitis) or an actual tendon tear can occur.

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What Are Peroneal Tendons?

The peroneus longus and peroneus brevis are the two tendons on the outside of the ankle. They begin by attaching to the outside of the lower leg and run behind the lateral malleolus. The peroneus brevis attaches to the base of the fifth metatarsal and is important for foot eversion. The peroneus longus tendon wraps around and attaches to the bottom of the first metatarsal and medial cuneiform joint. The peroneus longus tendon plays an important role in controlling the first ray.

Injury to the Peroneal Tendons

Peroneal tendon problems are fairly common. They can range from inflammation of a tendon (tendonitis) or an actual tendon tear can occur. Peroneal tendon tears can happen after a sudden trauma such as an ankle sprain or can happen slowly over time. People who have a high arch foot type are more at risk for developing this because they place increased stress on the peroneal tendons. Sometimes subluxation of the peroneal tendons may also occur. This happens when the retinaculum, a ligament like structure that holds the tendons in place, is torn or stretched and the peroneal tendons slip out from behind the lateral malleolus.

Symptoms of Peroneal Tendon Injury

Pain and swelling along the outside of the ankle. There may be a clicking feeling on the outside of the ankle too if subluxation is present.

Diagnosis

X-rays will usually be taken initially. An MRI is helpful at diagnosing peroneal tendon tears and inflammation.

Nonsurgical Treatment

  • Immobilization-usually with either a cast, cast boot, or ankle brace depending on severity and acuity.
  • Orthotics- can be very helpful in rebalancing the foot and taking stress off of the peroneal tendons
  • Icing- powerful at reducing inflammation.
  • Anti-inflammatory medication- also effective at reducing inflammation
  • Physical therapy- often very helpful in rehabilitation after a peroneal tendon injury

Surgical Treatment

Not everyone with a torn peroneal tendon needs surgery. The tears that occur in these tendons tend to be longitudinal and rarely rupture. If there is a tear in the peroneal tendons that does not improve with conservative treatment, surgery may be considered.

Tendon tears are sometimes repaired alone, but if the damage is too extensive the tendons are then sewn together, called a tenodesis. Sometimes the peroneus longus tendon is released and sewn to the peroneus brevis tendon, called a “personal stop.” This tendon transfer “stops” the peroneus longus tendon from pulling too hard in the case of someone with a high arched foot type. If there is subluxation, usually this must be corrected by deepening the groove or creating a slot in the lateral malleolus. Other underlying conditions may be addressed such as stabilizing ankle ligaments that have been torn from an ankle sprain or procedures that are targeted at correcting a high arch foot so that the stress put on the peroneal tendons is lessened. It is important to recognize the underlying condition that may have led to peroneal tendon trauma so that it can be corrected and the tendon repair will have greater longevity. The recovery time depends on the type of procedure but typically consists of 6 weeks in a non-weightbearing cast followed by transition to weightbearing in a cast boot. Physical therapy is usually recommended for rehabilitation after surgery.

What to Do Next?

If you or someone you know is experiencing pain or discomfort in the ankle region, seek out the help of a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment regime. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.