Symptoms
The peroneal tendons connect the lateral lower leg muscles with the foot and transfer their force to the foot. A distinction is made between the peroneal tendon for the short fibula muscle (Musculus peronaeus brevis) and the peroneal tendon for the long fibula muscle (Musculus peronaeus longus). If the peroneal tendons are overloaded, usually during sports such as ballet, cycling or running, they become inflamed.
Then, as described above, pain occurs under strain. If the affected person tilts the foot outwards, the pain is intensified because the tendon is stretched in this position. Often the peroneal tendon swells up at the level of the outer ankle, since the tendon pulls over the ankle joint here and becomes very irritated.
In some cases, such swelling affects the sural nerve, resulting in sensory disturbances such as burning or tingling on the outside of the foot. Water retention or small bruises may also occur. The following articles may be of interest to you in this regard:
- Pain in the ankle joint
- Torn ligament at the foot – What to do?
Therapy/treatment
The treatment of peroneal tendon inflammation is primarily conservative. Temporary immobilization of the ankle joint is essential to allow the inflamed tendon to settle down. For this reason, affected persons are absolutely forbidden to engage in sports.
This means that movements that trigger inflammation, especially jerky movements such as stopping, changing direction or slipping, must be avoided. Only when the inflammation has completely subsided may the patient be exercised again. Nevertheless, complete immobilization of the leg and foot is only necessary in very rare cases.Complete immobilization carries the danger that the healing process is delayed by the weakening of the musculature.
Accompanying physiotherapy helps to counteract the deterioration. Often the doctor prescribes additional anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving ointments, which the patient can apply directly to the painful areas. It is important to find the cause of the pain and to counteract it with specific exercises.
Such exercises are aimed at strengthening and mobility of the ankle joint. In addition, shortened muscles are stretched and possible adhesions of fascia are loosened. You will find exercises in the following articles: Pain in the ankle Physiotherapy for Achilles tendon inflammation Physiotherapy for foot malpositions You will find exercises in the following articles:
- Pain in the ankle joint
- Physiotherapy for Achilles tendon inflammation
- Physiotherapy for foot malpositions
