Peroneal Tendon Problems

Anatomy
There are two peroneal tendons that run along the lateral side of the ankle. One is called the Peroneus Longus and the other is the Peroneus Brevis. 

The peroneal muscles are in the lateral side of the calf and their tendons run down behind and then below the lateral malleolus, the bony bump on the outside of the ankle. The peroneal tendons will weakly plantarflex the ankle, "point the toes". They also evert the ankle. That means they pull the toes to the outside.

Injury
Tendons that change direction are susceptible to attritional injuries. That means that over time at the point that the tendon changes direction it may wear out. This usually starts off with tendinitis. That means that there is inflammation about the tendon. You will notice that as pain on the outside of the ankle.

The peroneal tendons can be injured when there has been an ankle sprain. Ankle sprains are generally caused by an inversion injury. A sprain means that the ligaments have been injured. But not only the ligaments may be injured. It is possible that the peroneal tendons can develop tears in their substance when there has been a violent inversion injury.

Sometimes after an inversion injury the peroneal tendons will slip forward out of their groove behind the lateral ankle bone. 

Diagnosis
If there has been an ankle sprain and there is persistent pain after one month, a tear in the peroneal tendons should be suspected. That is a problem that can usually be diagnosed on the physical examination by an orthopedic surgeon. Sometimes it is necessary to get a test called an MRI to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment
Tretment for peroneal tendon problems involves a combination of immobilization in a CAM Walker or cast, taking oral anti-inflammatory medications, and possibly surgery.

To find out about surgery for peroneal tendon problems, Go Here.