Peroneal Tendonitis Treatment

The peroneal muscles 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. These muscles are responsible for movement of the foot and ankle away from the body. Whenever these muscles contract, tension is placed through the peroneal tendons. Peroneal tendonitis occurs when an excessive amount of tension is put on this soft tissue, causing the tendons to become damaged and inflamed.

As this injury tends to come as a result of over use, pain is likely to increase gradually over a period of time and is typically more prominent in the morning.

The function of the peroneal muscles is to evert the foot as well as plantar flexion of the ankle. They are also important ankle stabilizers and are commonly injured during an inversion ankle sprain.

For this reason, peroneal tendonitis typically occurs following excessive walking or running (especially on slopes or uneven surfaces) or during sporting activities requiring frequent change of direction. Peroneal tendon injuries may occur suddenly or develop slowly over an extended period of time.

Those suffering from peroneal tendonitis tend to complain of pain around the back and outside of their foot. It will most likely be tender to touch and tends to gets worse with activity and eases with rest.

Luckily, peroneal tendinitis will typically heal without surgery if proper measures are taken. Like most overuse injuries, one of the best things you can do to treat this injury is to get ample amounts of rest.

“You’ve got to stabilize the area,” says Dr. Ian S. Goldbaum, a podiatric physician and surgeon with over 30 years of experience. “The key to treating peroneal tendonitis is to stabilize the area, reduce the inflammation and to limit the amount of exercise or stress on the area so it can essentially cool down.”

If there is significant pain, a doctor may suggest using a CAM Walker boot for several weeks to help stabilize the area. If there really is no tenderness with walking, an ankle brace might be the next best step.

Other treatment options typically include:

Ice: Put an ice pack, gel pack, or package of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth, on the area every 3 to 4 hours for up to 20 minutes at a time.

Compression: Wearing tubigrip compression bandage or a support brace can help reduce inflammation.

Elevation: When resting, keep the ankle elevated higher than the heart.

Medicine: Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, or other medicine as directed by your provider.

Orthotics: If your peroneal tendonitis is due to abnormal foot shape, it often helps to wear inserts in your shoes to correct the deformity. Ideally, you should see a podiatrist who can evaluate your foot and ensure you have the right insoles for you.

At Delray Beach Podiatry, Dr. Goldbaum has the ability to take these treatments one step further by utilizing advanced laser technology to expedite the recovery of his patients.

As the only podiatrist currently performing this procedure in South Florida, Dr. Goldbaum’s Erchonia FX 635 laser provides individuals experiencing chronic pain with a non-invasive, efficacious solution to quickly improve their walking comfort and quality of life without surgery. These treatments require no preparation and typically take 10-12 minutes. After only a few weeks, your pain is gone or substantially reduced.

“The laser works in conjunction with over treatments to bring down inflammation and get the healing cycle to start back up,” said Dr. Goldbaum, who has offices in Boynton Beach and Delray Beach. “The laser actually works at the cellular level to get the healing mechanisms moving at a faster pace.”

The FX 635 offers three lasers that work together to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. You just lie back, relax and let the laser do the rest!

If you are currently suffering from peroneal tendonitis and are interested in receiving treatment from the FX 635 laser, please see our contract information below to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

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The content on this website is for informational purposes only. Do not rely or act upon information from www.DelrayBeachPodiatry.com without seeking professional medical advice. If you live in South Florida and would like a consultation with Dr. Ian Goldbaum, a podiatric physician and surgeon with over 30 years of experience, please see our contact information below:

DELRAY BEACH

16244 S. Military Trail #290, Delray Beach, FL 33484

561-499-0033

BOCA RATON

2900 N. Military Trail #210, Boca Raton, FL 33431 (SOUTH BLDG)

561-499-2683

BOYNTON BEACH

8198 Jog Road #100, Boynton Beach, FL 33472

561-736-4002

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