What is Peroneal Tendinosis?

Have you been feeling pain near the back of your ankle? If so, you could have a condition called peroneal tendinosis.

Peroneal tendinosis deals with the peroneal tendon, which runs behind the fibula on the outside of the ankle. When you have tendinosis, there is an enlargement of the tendon, which causes swelling in the affected area. Most people who suffer from peroneal tendinosis have overused the tendon. The overuse of the peroneal tendon is very common in marathon runners or in other actions that require recurring use of the ankle. Other causes for the condition could be caused by wearing poorly fitted shoes, or from hindfoot varus posture, which is an inverted abnormality of the rear foot.

Diagnosis:

When experiencing pain near the back of your ankle, the key is to determine where the pain is coming from. To verify whether you have peroneal tendonitis, you will need to confirm that it is indeed the peroneal tendon that is in pain. Determining this is something a podiatrist can help you with.  When you do visit your podiatrist, you will most likely be given an x-ray, which will be used for the assessment. However, MRIs and ultrasounds are also commonly used.

Treatment:

Most peroneal tendinosis cases will heal without any type of surgery. Immobilization through a CAM Walker boot or ankle brace has proven to be a great way to assist in the healing process of peroneal tendinosis and are the most common treatment. Other options to cure peroneal tendinosis may include physical therapy or medication. However, depending on the severity of the ailment, surgery may be required.

Recovery & Rehabilitation:

If surgery is required for your case of peroneal tendinosis, rehabilitation will also be necessary. Normally, the minimum time before bearing weight on your injured foot is six weeks, so a wheelchair or crutches will most likely be prescribed. Physical therapy may also be needed after surgery, which will be discussed with you by your podiatrist.

To schedule an appointment with a podiatrist at Triad Foot & Ankle Center, please call 336-375-6990 or click here to schedule an appointment online.