The pain may prevent you from walking or running normally.
It may interfere with your work or recreational activity.
This article will explore peroneal tendonitis and how a physical therapist can evaluate and treat the condition.
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There are three peroneal tendons: theperoneus longus,brevis, and tertius.
The tendons arise from the peroneal muscles on the outer part of your lower leg.
(Some people do not have a peroneus tertius muscle; it is often considered vestigialno longer functional.)
The tendons are also known as fibularis longus, brevis, and tertius.
The muscles course down the lateral aspect of your leg and become the peroneal tendons.
Symptoms
Symptoms of peroneal tendonitis may vary from person to person.
Symptoms may include:
Peroneal tendonitis is considered arepetitive strain or overuse injurythat comes on gradually over time.
It typically does not happen as a result of trauma.
Diagnosis
There are several components that your healthcare professional may use to diagnose your peroneal tendonitis.
An MRI would show the peroneal tendons in great detail.
It can reveal micro tears and trauma to the tendon that indicate tendonitis.
During this visit, your therapist will interview you and ask about your condition.
After the interview, your physical therapist will examine your foot, ankle, and leg.
Therapy goals for your peroneal tendonitis may be discussed as well.
PT for Peroneal Tendonitis
Once your therapist has assessed your condition, you will begin treatment.
There are several different treatments that your physical therapist may provide for your peroneal tendonitis.
These should be tailored to your specific needs and impairments.
Exercise
Exercise should be your main tool for the management of peroneal tendonitis.
Exercises may focus on improving range of motion, flexibility, strength, or balance.
Exercises may include:
Hopping Exercises and Plyometrics
Plyometric exercises involve jumping and hopping.
They may be recommended if you are planning to return to high-level sports.
These exercises help your ankle tolerate high-velocity forces from running and jumping.
Exercises may include lateral hops or jumping up to and down from plyometric boxes of various heights.
Also, your therapist can let you know whether it is safe for you to be exercising.
Heat is used to improve circulation, while ice may be used to decrease swelling around the tissues.
Care should be used.
Research on the use of ultrasound for tendon problems is not very thorough.
Many therapists avoid using it as it has not been shown to improve outcomes for peroneal tendonitis.
Electrical stimulation may also improve local blood flow to the muscles and tendons.
If this is the case, shoe inserts (orthotics) may be prescribed by your physical therapist.
The orthotics may be custom molded or off-the-shelf.
This is a relatively new taping technique to help overall ankle motion.
Research on the use of K-tape for peroneal tendonitis is sparse.
If running causes pain, avoid it for a few weeks.
It’s important for you to take an active role in your rehab.
Successful treatment involves managing the inflammation first.
Next is to gradually build your load tolerance by figuring out how much weight your peroneal tendons can bear.
How Long Should PT Last?
On average, though, in about six weeks, your peroneal tendons should be fully healed.
You should also have learned a strategy to keep the pain from returning.
Your therapist can determine the impairments that may be causing your tendon pain.
Davda K, Malhotra K, ODonnell P, Singh D, Cullen N.Peroneal tendon disorders.EFORT Open Reviews.
2021;35(2):182-199. doi:10.1177/0269215520963846
