Symptoms | Inflammation of the peroneal tendon

Symptoms

In a peroneal tendon syndrome, the inflammation causes pain in the area of the outer lower leg, which can radiate into the foot. This pain usually occurs during or after a load, but can also be independent of load. In addition to the pain, there is often also swelling, which is mainly located in the area of the outer ankle, since this is where the tendon passes over the bony structures of the ankle joint and is therefore the most irritating.

Pain and swelling can increase when the patient tilts the foot outwards, as the tendons are stretched and thus experience even more friction. Since the tendons relax again when the patient is at rest, so-called “tarnishing pain” can occur in the morning when the tendons are first loaded, since the tendons are then loaded again. In rare cases, a peroneal tendon syndrome also causes the patient to limp slightly with the affected side due to the permanent overloading and the pain and is unable to put any real weight on the foot.

This is especially the case in later stages, when the patient continues to strain the tendon despite pain and the tendon is not only inflamed but also begins to tear. Due to the swelling caused by the inflammation, the sural nerve may become irritated or constricted, which then leads to a burning or tingling sensation, and rarely to sensory disturbances in the foot area. Since the nerve mainly supplies the outside of the foot, these sensory disturbances (sensitivity disorders) occur mainly there. If the ankle is also affected by the swelling, water retention (edema) or small bruises (haematomas) may also occur in rare cases.

Duration

Inflammation of the peroneal tendon is a very long lasting disease. Even if the prescribed therapy is strictly adhered to, which includes sports prohibition and immobilization, affected persons must be patient. It can sometimes take weeks before the symptoms subside.Exactly how long the inflammation lasts varies from patient to patient. What is certain is that renewed exposure may only occur after complete recovery. Otherwise, the recovery process could be disrupted and the duration of the disease considerably prolonged.