These tendons may be affected by inflammation (tendonitis) or tears.
Learn more about these tendons and their associated conditions.
The peroneal muscles are important at everting the footthe motion of rocking the foot outward from the ankle.
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Peroneal Tendonitis
The most common problem that occurs with the peroneal tendons is inflammation ortendonitis.
The tendons are usually inflamed just behind thefibula boneat the ankle joint.
Peroneal tendonitis can either be the result of repetitive overuse or an acute injury.
Pain is usually worsened if the foot is pulled down and inwards, stretching the peroneal tendons.
X-rays of the ankle are typically normal.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may show inflammation and fluid around the tendons.
Tears are thought to be the result of two issues with the tendon.
One issue is the blood supply.
Tears of the peroneus brevis tendon are often treated with the same treatments for tendonitis listed above.
In fact, about half of tears diagnosed by imaging are found to be asymptomatic.
For patients who don’t find lasting relief of symptoms, surgery may be necessary.
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