Peroneal Tendinopathy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment in Midvale

 
 

Understanding Peroneal Tendinopathy

At Optimal Wellness Center in Midvale, we understand how challenging it can be to deal with Peroneal Tendinopathy. This condition often causes pain around the outside of the ankle or foot, especially during activities like walking, running, or jumping. Pain tends to ease with rest but worsens with movement, making it difficult for those affected to continue with their daily routines.

What Are the Peroneal Tendons?

The peroneal tendons are located on the outside of your lower leg and play a crucial role in stabilizing your ankle during activities. They prevent your foot from rolling outward, reducing the risk of ankle sprains. Weakness or overuse of these tendons forces them to work harder than normal, which can lead to the development of Peroneal Tendinopathy.

Peroneal Tendinopathy Symptoms

Peroneal Tendinopathy symptoms generally develop gradually and include:

  • Pain or swelling around the outside of the ankle, either above, behind, or below the ankle bone.

  • Instability when walking, especially on uneven surfaces.

  • Pain in the outer foot or arch.

  • Poor balance on the affected side, often feeling as if the foot is turning outward.

  • Activity-related pain that worsens over time.

Common Causes of Peroneal Tendinopathy

Peroneal Tendinopathy is primarily caused by overuse, which can lead to tiny tears in the tendon fibers. Factors that increase the risk include:

  • Repetitive stress and micro-trauma that outpace the body’s healing capacity.

  • Older age and being overweight.

  • Diabetes and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Weakness or tightness in the leg or foot muscles.

  • Unsupportive footwear, especially flat or flexible-soled shoes.

  • Sudden increases in activity or prolonged periods of standing.

  • Previous foot or ankle injuries and prolonged use of certain medications, including corticosteroids.

Peroneal Tendinopathy Treatment Options

Early-stage Peroneal Tendinopathy treatment typically focuses on strengthening the peroneal tendons through exercises. Other approaches include:

  • Footwear Modification
    Supportive shoes, such as running shoes or hiking boots, can provide relief and prevent further tendon strain. Avoid hard or flat footwear, as flexible soles often fail to support the foot properly.

  • Pacing and Spacing Activities
    Breaking down physical activities into manageable segments helps to prevent flare-ups. Taking breaks between tasks can reduce strain on the peroneal tendons and minimize pain.

  • Pain Activity Ladder
    The pain activity ladder allows you to assess the severity of your pain and adjust your activity levels accordingly. Aim to stay in the “green” zone of mild discomfort while performing exercises to prevent overstraining.

  • Chiropractic Care
    Chiropractic adjustments can improve alignment and reduce stress on the peroneal tendons, promoting better mobility and reducing pain.

  • Shockwave Therapy
    This non-invasive treatment uses sound waves to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation in the tendons, accelerating recovery.

  • Massage Therapy
    Targeted massage therapy can relieve tension, improve blood flow to the affected area, and reduce pain, aiding in the recovery process.

These treatments, in combination with a tailored exercise plan, can significantly improve symptoms of Peroneal Tendinopathy over time.

Exercises for Peroneal Tendinopathy

Exercise is essential for recovery and pain management. Exercises for Peroneal Tendinopathy include:

  • Early Strengthening Exercises to build baseline strength.

  • Balance Training to improve stability.

  • Advanced Strengthening Exercises as your recovery progresses.

Seeking Treatment for Peroneal Tendinopathy in Midvale

At Optimal Wellness Center in Midvale, our experts offer a range of therapies for Peroneal Tendinopathy. We provide personalized care that includes tailored exercise routines, pain management techniques, and footwear advice to help you recover safely and efficiently. With dedicated support, most patients experience significant improvement within a few months, though complete recovery may take up to a year.