Symptoms of peroneal tendon inflammation

A typical symptom of inflammation of the peroneal tendon is pain along the tendon and the tendon sheath near the outer ankle. This pain occurs mainly as a result of locally exerted pressure or during certain movements in which the peroneal tendon is tensed. In severe cases of inflammation, there may even be pain at rest.

Depending on its severity, the inflamed area may be swollen, reddened or overheated. However, it can also be completely inconspicuous externally. The pain arising from movement impairs and reduces the function of the peroneal muscle, at least until the inflammation has subsided. When the peroneal tendon snaps, a common symptom is that when the peroneal muscle is tensed accordingly, the tendon jumps out of its sliding bearing, moves in front of the outer ankle and then, despite possible repositioning, an inflammation occurs with the above-mentioned consequences.

Diagnosis of Peroneal Tendon Inflammation

When diagnosing an inflammation of the peroneal tendon, it is important to gain an initial impression of the pattern of symptoms primarily through questioning and a physical examination. As a rule, those affected report very precisely that the pain caused by the inflammation occurred after overloading the peroneal tendon through sporting or professional activity. An immunological or infectious cause can also be identified with the help of a medical history.In most cases the pain is located behind the outer ankle, i.e. following the course of the peroneal tendon, and radiates slightly into the surrounding tissue.

The pain is triggered by local pressure on the tendon or movement or stretching of the foot in such a way that the peroneal tendon is tensioned, for example when the foot is pulled up or turned outwards. When the foot is palpated at the outer ankle and peroneal tendon, the latter is typically thickened and swollen when inflamed. It can also be reddened and warmed.

If the peroneal tendon is dislocated, it may even be palpable in front of the outer ankle. An imaging measure to support the suspicion of an inflammation can, for example, be an ultrasound or X-ray examination. In the case of an inflammation, an edematous seam around the tendon and its sheath can be heard, which indicates the inflammatory process.