The word “peroneal” comes from the Greek “perone,” meaning “brooch” or “buckle”—and it is the Greek name for the thin bone on the outside of your lower leg. These tendons run behind the fibula, helping stabilize your ankle and control foot movement. When they become inflamed due to overuse or injury, the result is peroneal tendonitis, a condition that commonly affects runners, athletes and other people who are active.
At Summit Orthopedics, our foot and ankle specialists in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area are dedicated to providing personalized care for peroneal tendonitis. Whether you need nonsurgical treatments or advanced surgical options, our team works with you to develop a plan that helps you return to pain-free activity.
What Is Peroneal Tendonitis?
Peroneal tendonitis happens when one or both of the peroneal tendons—the peroneus longus and peroneus brevis—become irritated or inflamed. These two tendons run along the outside of your lower leg, wrap around your ankle bone and attach to bones in your foot. They’re essential for stabilizing your ankle.
This condition most often develops from overuse, especially during activities that involve repeated ankle movements or quick changes in direction. Unlike sudden injuries, peroneal tendonitis usually appears gradually as the tendons become strained and inflamed over time.
What Does Peroneal Tendonitis Feel Like?
Peroneal tendonitis usually causes pain along the outside of your ankle. This ankle pain tends to get worse when you’re active. You might also see some swelling around your ankle bone, and the area could be tender when you touch it.
If peroneal tendonitis is left untreated, it can eventually rupture. If the tendon ruptures, some people feel a catching or snapping sensation when the irritated tendons move over the bone as they move their ankle.
Can Peroneal Tendonitis Cause Knee Pain?
Peroneal tendonitis mainly affects your ankle and foot. When your ankle hurts, you might walk or run differently. This change can put extra stress on your knee.
The peroneal tendons help keep your ankle steady when you move. If they are inflamed and not working well, other muscles and joints have to work harder to help. This can cause pain or problems in your knee, hip or lower back.
If you have pain in both your ankle and knee, it’s important to get both checked. They might be separate issues that need different treatments.
Common Risk Factors
Several factors can raise your chance of getting peroneal tendonitis. Athletes who play sports with lots of quick direction changes—like basketball, soccer or tennis—are more likely to get it because these movements put stress on the tendons.
Runners also often get this type of tendonitis because the repeated ankle movements can tire out the peroneal tendons, especially if the muscles don’t get enough rest. Having weakness or instability ankle from past ankle sprains also raises the risk.
Other peroneal tendonitis risk factors include having high arches, which can change how your foot moves, and wearing old shoes that don’t support your feet well anymore.
How Doctors Diagnose Peroneal Tendonitis
Diagnosis starts with a full physical exam. Your doctor will check how well your ankle moves and identify any painful spots. They will also ask about your symptoms, how active you are and if you have had any previous ankle injuries.
During the exam, your doctor might ask you to move your ankle in certain ways or push against pressure. These tests help show which tendons are hurt and how bad the injury is.
If more tests are needed, we will set them up for you. Imaging tests like an ultrasound or MRI can show inflammation, tears or other problems in the tendons that may be causing your symptoms.
Treatment Options for Peroneal Tendonitis
Treating peroneal tendonitis is all about easing inflammation, addressing what’s causing the problem and helping you safely get back to your regular activities. Your treatment plan will depend on how long you’ve had symptoms and how severe they are.
- Rest and adjusting your activity is the first step. This doesn’t mean you have to stop moving altogether, but it does mean avoiding movements that make your pain worse while staying active with pain-free exercises that keep you fit.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce swelling and ease pain, making it easier to engage in other treatments.
- Physical therapy is often the cornerstone of recovery. A skilled therapist will guide you through gentle stretches, strengthening exercises and balance work to support your ankle.
- Using ankle bracescan add extra stability as you heal. These tools help protect the tendons and reduce stress while you gradually return to your normal routine.
- Steroid injections, in some cases, might be recommended. These can significantly calm inflammation, but they’re used carefully.
Recovery Time and Expectations
Recovery time for peroneal tendonitis varies depending on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms and how well you follow your treatment plan. Here’s a quick look at what to expect:
Mild cases:
- These cases often improve within a month.
- People typically experience gradual relief with consistent care.
Severe or chronic cases:
- Recovery may take several months, especially if you need surgery.
- These cases require more intensive treatment and careful management.
- Patience is crucial to avoid setbacks.
Most people return to their previous activity levels with proper treatment. Equally important is addressing any underlying causes—such as being overweight, training mistakes, not resting between physical activity or ankle instability—to prevent future flare-ups.
Care for Peroneal Tendonitis at Summit Orthopedics
At Summit Orthopedics, we’re committed to providing top-tier care for peroneal tendonitis and all your foot and ankle needs. Our specialists craft personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique symptoms and lifestyle, guiding you back to the activities you love—stronger and with less pain.
Summit Orthopedics surgeons are available at nearly 30 convenient locations across the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Our state-of-the-art, comprehensive orthopedic centers offer same-day appointments from a team of experts who offer the full scope of orthopedic care.
Find your Summit Orthopedics foot and ankle expert, request an appointment or call us at (651) 968-5201 to schedule a consultation.
