Peroneal Tendonitis

Peroneal tendonitis when running or partaking in other high impact activity is more common than you might think. Pain usually starts as a dull ache one the outside of the ankle but can quickly turn into severe discomfort if activity is continued.

Peroneal tendonitis Anatomy

The peroneal muscles (peroneus brevis and peroneus longus) lie in the lateral (outside) part of the lower leg. They form tendons which lie within a sheath which restrains them as they pass behind the outer bone of the ankle joint (fibula) before attaching to bones in the foot. The peroneal tendons are responsible for pulling the foot downwards and outwards and contribute to stabilising the ankle joint. They are used in sporting activity to help in the toe off phase of gait. It is as this point that overuse and resulting peroneal tendonitis is likely to occur.

The symptoms of peroneal tendonitis in runners include pain on the outside edge of the foot and sometimes in the instep area of the foot and swelling along the course of the tendon. The athlete with peroneal tendonitis may also experience pain and swelling right behind the outer ankle bone. There is usually pain when the area is touched along the course of the peroneal tendon behind the outer ankle. There may also be burning, shooting, tingling, stabbing pain often because the main nerve is inflamed along the outside of the ankle. Athletes with peroneal tendonitis may experience pain when exercising or even just walking, steadily worsening toward the end of the day. In severe cases of peroneal tendonitis there is significant pain when the athlete moves his/her foot, as well as pain upon passive stretching of the peroneal tendon, and on inversion (turning the foot inwards) or arching of the foot. In some cases of peroneal tendonitis the tendon may actually rupture or tear, due to weakening of the tendon by the inflammatory process.

Increase in training levels.

Increased hill training.

Lack of shock absorbency in the trainers worn.

Worn running shoes.

Poor biomechanics.

Weight gain.

IF SYMPTOMS OF PERONEAL TENDONITIS PERSISTS OR NUMBNESS/ DISCOLOURATION OF THE FOOT OCCURS CONSULT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL IMMEDIATELY.

Peroneal tendonitis – Restoring normal function

As we get older the risk of any type of tendon rupture goes up dramatically especially if we embark on high impact sporting activities. However it must be emphasised that the risk is still small but when recovering after any injury it is vital that when stretching or performing any exercise that there should be no pain. If any tenderness is elicited along the peroneal tendon then stop and re commence P.R.I.C.E

Below is a video showing the uses for the rehab band (whole body).

Ankle strengthening exercises

Wobbleboard

Use of a wobbleboard is a brilliant way to strengthen muscles in the foot ankle and leg. Aim to do 5-10 minutes a day!

Remember that virtually all peroneal tendonitis problems happen at the contact phase of gait (when the foot hits the ground) due to increased biomechanical stress at this point. It is therefore vital to strengthen the ankle and control biomechanical forces.

Golden rule- Don’t ignore the problem, it won’t go away!

The way we function biomechanically is predominantly controlled by genetics, its hereditary (runs in the family). The way you function is set and cannot be cured. What you can do however is control lower limb biomechanics by altering foot position during the contact phase of gait. This can be achieved by wearing a good shoe (see our shoe guide) with orthotics (foot beds), ankle strengthening and ankle support.

1. Check your footwear

Are your running shoes worn and in need of replacing? If so change them. Peroneal tendonitis is made worse by high impact forces so a good shock absorbing shoe is a must. For more advice on running trainers our running shoe advice page is worth reading. Read more->

Below are a selection of trainers that are ideal for athletes.

Trainers for a neutral or under pronating foot type

Trainers for over pronators

2. rectify Poor biomechanics with orthotics

The way your foot strikes the ground and the forces that are placed on it can have a direct effect on causing peroneal tendonitis and also delaying healing times. Check our biomechanics page for detailed information. Read more->

3. Ankle strengthening

The single best exercise to improve the strength of the muscles around the ankle is eccentric loading. This is usually done none weight bearing, however the use of a wobbleboard is an excellent way to strengthen muscles around the foot and ankle in a controlled gentle manner. Whilst our clinicians have found it a brilliant way to strengthen ankle muscles, traditionally a wobbleboard was used to help balance (proprioception). Proprioception is the nerve connection from the brain to the foot. This is often damaged/ disrupted after injury and can increase the chances of injury from re occurring It can also significantly delay recovery.

Use of a wobbleboard therefore has a dual benefit in the treatment of peroneal tendonitis.

4. Ankle support

Usually an athlete who has damaged their ankle only needs minimal support post injury, such as the support given by a neoprene brace. However with peroneal tendonitis we recommend an ankle brace when partaking in sporting activity.

Peroneal tendonitis injury prevention checklist summary

• Rectify Biomechanics if necessary
• Check Running shoes
• Ankle strengthening
• Ankle support