PERONEAL TENDONITIS
What is Peroneal Tendonitis?
The Peroneals are a group of three muscles originating from the outside of your lower leg and connect to the outside of the foot.The condition affects either the insertion or mid-portion of one or more Peroneal muscle tendons. It is caused by continual, repetitive stress, which leads to micro trauma of the tendon. This results in degeneration, inflammation, and sometimes rupture. It is important to treat this condition in the early stages (acute) as late stages (chronic) can lead to permanent damage and/or rupture. Symptoms of Peroneal Tendonitis?
Symptoms of peroneal tendinopathy / lateral ankle pain include:
- An aching pain on the outside of the ankle, especially with activity
- Lateral (outside) ankle pain that decreases with rest
- Swelling or tenderness to touch behind the ankle bone on the outside of the ankle
- Pain and weakness when actively moving the foot in an outward direction or when pointing it down
- Pain when pushing off the ball of the foot during walking or running
- Pain when walking on a sloped terrain that turns the foot outward
- Pain when stretching the foot in an inward and downward direction
Causes of What is Peroneal Tendonitis?
Factors that can contribute to peroneal tendonitis include:
- Overuse
- A sudden increase in training, particularly weight-bearing activities, such as walking, running, and jumping
- Improper training techniques
- Inadequate or unsupportive footwear
There are also some other issues that can increase a person’s risk of developing peroneal tendonitis:
- Higher foot arches/ supinate
- Lower limb muscles and joints not working well together
- Imbalanced muscles in the lower limbs
If someone fails to complete a rehabilitation program following an ankle injury, such as a sprain, they are also more likely to develop peroneal tendonitis.
Over time, the damaged peroneal tendons will thicken as scar tissue tries to repair the damaged area. This makes the tendons weaker and more prone to tearing.
When to see a podiatrist?
It is important to get proper treatment for peroneal tendinopathy as soon as it occurs. A degenerated tendon that is not treated can begin to tear, causing a more serious condition. With an early diagnosis, physical therapy can successfully treat peroneal tendinopathy.
Treatments of Peroneal Tendonitis?
Lateral ankle pain / peroneal tendonopathy is best solved with a gradually increase into exercise, orthotics and supportive footwear.
Is Peroneal Tendonitis covered by Private Health Insurances?
Call us to find out whether your perineal tendinopahty treatment is covered by your private health care provider. There are a few things to consider with your private health fund such as your level of cover, your policy waiting periods, annual limits and fund rules. It is important to know what you are up for prior to your visits to avoid unwanted, expensive surprises.