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Peroneal Tendonitis

Written by Brett Harrop

Updated:

(Also known as Peroneal Tendinopathy, Peroneal Tendinitis, Peroneal Tendinosis)

N.B. Although recent research suggest that ‘peroneal tendinopathy’ is the more appropriate term to describe overuse injuries to the peroneal tendon, we will use the term ‘peroneal tendonitis’ in this document as it is more widely known.

What is peroneal tendonitis?

There are several muscles which lie on the outside of the lower leg and are collectively known as the peroneal muscles (figure 1). These originate from the outer lower leg bone (fibula) and travel down along the outside of the leg where they insert into various bones in the foot via the peroneal tendons (figure 1).

Relevant Anatomy for Peroneal Tendonitis
Figure 1 – Relevant Anatomy for Peroneal Tendonitis

The peroneal muscles are responsible for moving the foot and ankle away from the midline of the body (eversion – figure 2). Whenever the peroneal muscles contract or are placed under stretch, tension is placed through the peroneal tendons. If this tension is excessive due to too much repetition or high force, damage to the peroneal tendons may occur. Peroneal tendonitis is a condition involving damage to one of the peroneal tendons with subsequent degeneration and often swelling of the affected tendon.

Ankle Eversion
Figure 2 – Eversion

Causes of peroneal tendonitis

Peroneal tendonitis typically occurs following excessive walking or running (especially on slopes or uneven surfaces) or during sporting activities requiring frequent change of direction and or jumping such as dancing, basketball, football or volleyball.

Signs and symptoms of peroneal tendonitis

Patients with this condition typically experience pain at the outer aspect of the ankle, foot or lower leg during activities which place large amounts of stress on the peroneal tendons (or after these activities with rest, especially upon waking in the morning). These activities may include walking or running excessively (especially on slopes or on hard or uneven surfaces) or sporting activity requiring frequent change of direction and or jumping. The pain associated with peroneal tendonitis tends to be of gradual onset which progressively worsens over weeks or months with the continuation of aggravating activities. Patients with this condition may also experience pain on firmly touching the affected peroneal tendon (figure 1).

Diagnosis of peroneal tendonitis

A thorough subjective and objective examination from a physiotherapist is usually sufficient to diagnose peroneal tendonitis. Further investigations such as an Ultrasound or MRI scan may be required to assist diagnosis and assess the severity of the condition.

Treatment for peroneal tendonitis

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Contributing factors to the development of peroneal tendonitis

There are several factors which can predispose patients to developing this condition. These need to be assessed and corrected with direction from a physiotherapist and may include:

Physiotherapy for peroneal tendonitis

Physiotherapy treatment for patients with this condition is vital to hasten the healing process, ensure an optimal outcome and reduce the likelihood of injury recurrence. Treatment may comprise:

Prognosis of peroneal tendonitis

Most patients with this condition heal well with an appropriate physiotherapy program. This, however, can be a lengthy process and may take several months in patients who have had their condition for a long period of time. Minor cases of this condition that are identified and treated early can usually settle within a few weeks. Early physiotherapy treatment is vital to hasten recovery and ensure an optimal outcome.

Other Intervention for peroneal tendonitis

Despite appropriate physiotherapy management, a small percentage of patients with this condition do not improve adequately. When this occurs the treating physiotherapist or doctor can advise on the best course of management. This may involve further investigation such as an X-ray, Ultrasound, CT scan or MRI, corticosteroid injection, autologous blood injection, pharmaceutical intervention or a review by a specialist who can advise on any procedures that may be appropriate to improve the condition. A review with a podiatrist for the prescription of orthotics and appropriate footwear advice may also be indicated.

Exercises for peroneal tendonitis

The following exercises are commonly prescribed to patients with this condition. You should discuss the suitability of these exercises with your physiotherapist prior to beginning them. Generally, they should be performed 3 times daily and only provided they do not cause or increase symptoms.

Your physiotherapist can advise when it is appropriate to begin the initial exercises and eventually progress to the intermediate and advanced exercises. As a general rule, addition of exercises or progression to more advanced exercises should take place provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Initial Exercises

Foot and Ankle Up and Down

Move your foot and ankle up and down as far as possible and comfortable without pain (figure 3). Aim for no more than a mild to moderate stretch. Repeat 10 – 20 times provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Exercises for Peroneal Tendonitis - Foot and Ankle Up and Down
Figure 3 – Foot and Ankle Up and Down (left leg)

Foot and Ankle In and Out

Move your foot and ankle in and out as far as possible and comfortable without pain (figure 4). Aim for no more than a mild to moderate stretch. Repeat 10 – 20 times provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Exercises for Peroneal Tendonitis - Foot and Ankle In and Out
Figure 4 – Foot and Ankle In and Out (right leg)

Ankle Stretch with Towel

Begin this ankle stretch in long sitting with your leg to be stretched in front of you. Your knee and back should be straight and a towel or rigid band placed around your foot as demonstrated (figure 5). Using your foot, ankle and the towel, bring your toes towards your head until you feel a stretch in the back of your ankle, calf or leg. Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times at a mild to moderate stretch provided the exercise is pain free.

Exercises for Peroneal Tendonitis - Ankle Stretch with Towel
Figure 5 – Ankle Stretch with Towel (left ankle)

Intermediate Exercises

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Advanced Exercises

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Rehabilitation Protocol for peroneal tendonitis

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Physiotherapy Products for peroneal tendinopathy (tendonitis) Physiotherapy products for peroneal tendonitis

Some of the most commonly recommended products by physiotherapists for patients with this condition include:

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