Peroneal tendonitis occurs as a result of the inflammation of the peroneal tendons. This occurs due to increased load and the excessive use of the tendons which causes them to rub on the bones. This friction leads to swelling of the tendon. As time goes on, the tendon becomes thicker in size so that it can try and manage the increased load efficiently.
Peroneal tendons are strong, cord-like structures which connect the peroneal muscles of the calf to the bones of the foot. Tendinitis occurs when microtears cause injury to the tendon and inflammation, resulting in pain and walking difficulties.
When tendonitis occurs, people often feel pain and swelling around the back and outside of the foot. Other symptoms include popping and feeling of ankle instability.
The activity is done by an individual worsen the pain, the pain comes on slowly, and progressively worsens as time goes on. The most common cause of peroneal tendonitis is excessive use. This injury is common among runners and other athletes whose sports require recurring movements of the ankle or foot.
Causes of Peroneal Tendonitis
Individuals who practice the sport with a recurrent movement of the ankles are at higher risk of developing peroneal tendonitis. Below are the factors that can contribute to the development of peroneal tendinitis:
• Excessive use
• A sudden increase in training, especially activities that are considered to be weight-bearing such as walking, jogging and jumping
• Inappropriate training techniques
• Inadequate or poor footwear
• Anatomy of the foot that shows the muscles
Peroneal tendons can be found passing down to the bone of the lower leg and behind the round ankle bone. One is fastened to a small finger and the other one below the arch of the foot.
There are other problems that may increase the risk of peroneal tendonitis development, they are:
• higher foot arches
• when the lower limb muscles and joints are working separately
• imbalanced muscles in the lower limbs
In the event that an individual does not complete a rehabilitation program after an ankle injury, such as a sprain, they are also more likely to develop peroneal tendonitis.
As time goes on, the damaged peroneal tendons will become thicker as the scar tissue attempts to repair the damaged surface. This makes the tendons weaker and more susceptible to tearing.
Symptoms of Peroneal Tendonitis
Peroneal tendonitis can be acute or sudden; or it may be chronic, which means that it develops over time.
In both cases, there are common symptoms which are listed below:
• There will be a pain at the back of the ankle
• During the activity, the pain becomes worse and decreases relaxation
• When turning the foot in or out, there will be a pain
• Swelling in the back of the ankle
• Ankle instability when bearing weight
• The area is warm to the touch
Peroneal Tendonitis Treatment
Treatment for Peroneal Tendonitis requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your ankle. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your ankle to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.
Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:
Ice Substitute Poultice
Bruise Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:
Pain Relief Liniment
Tendon and Ligament Poultice
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
