Orthopedic Expertise for the Treatment of Peroneal Tendonitis

Causes and Risk Factors for Peroneal Tendonitis

Peroneal tendonitis is primarily an overuse injury, common in athletes such as long-distance runners. However, it can also occur after an acute injury such as an ankle sprain. Additional risk factors include:

• Age – the blood flow to tendons decreases over time, making them thinner and more prone to injury.
• Medical conditions such as arthritis or diabetes.
• Excess weight or obesity.
• Smoking.
• History of previous ankle injuries.

How is Peroneal Tendonitis Diagnosed?

If you have had a recent injury to your foot and are experiencing symptoms of swelling and pain around the ankle, it is important to be evaluated by an orthopedic professional.

In addition to a physical exam of the foot, your doctor will take a medical and lifestyle history and ask for details about how and when the injury occurred. X-rays and other imaging studies may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the severity of the injury.

Customized Treatments for Peroneal Tendonitis

Depending on the cause and severity of the injury, peroneal tendonitis can often be treated with conservative, nonsurgical measures, including:

• Icing, rest and anti-inflammatory medications.
• Compression or immobilization with a soft cast or medical boot.
• Bracing to stabilize the ankle.
• Physical therapy to improve range of motion.
• Steroid injections.

In some cases, a surgical procedure to remove the damaged tissue (synovectomy) may be required. In most cases, this surgery can be performed using a minimally invasive approach called arthroscopy, which requires smaller incisions and can result in a faster recovery.