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Peroneal Tendonitis

Peroneal tendonitis develops when the tendons located on the outer ankle bone and side of the outer foot become irritated and inflamed. It can make day-to-day mobility painful and cause redness and swelling. This common condition can flare up due to overuse of the tendons or injury such as a sprain. In some cases, ankle supports such as custom bracing may be used to reduce the use of the tendons and allow them to recover properly.


What Causes Peroneal Tendonitis?

  • Overuse or repetitive tension on the peroneal tendons (peroneus longus tendon and peroneus brevis tendon).
  • Activities that involve frequent ankle movements or irregular ankle positions, such as running on uneven surfaces.
  • People with higher foot arches due to having a foot structure that creates more tension on the peroneal tendons.
  • Ankle sprains or trauma can contribute to the development of peroneal tendonitis by damaging the tendons and surrounding tissue. 
  • Wearing unsupportive footwear for your foot structure or the activities you complete in them causes further strain on the tendons.

How Does Feet Option Podiatry Treat Peroneal Tendonitis?

At Feet Option Podiatry, we thoroughly assess your ankle to determine the diagnosis and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that suits the severity of your peroneal tendonitis. In some cases, an MRI may be necessary to help with the diagnosis. To get your ankle back to its best, our podiatrists may prescribe some of the following treatments tailored to the extent of your peroneal tendonitis:



  • Ice pack application: Using ice packs on the ankle for 20-minute intervals to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications such as ibuprofen may be used to help with the painful and inflammatory symptoms.
  • Rest & elevation: Minimising weight-bearing activities to encourage healing and elevating the limb to reduce swelling.
  • Physical therapy: Tailored exercises to strengthen the peroneal muscles and improve the ankle’s ability to stabilise. This will help prevent further complications.
  • Orthotic devices: Custom-made shoe inserts may be given to correct foot imbalances contributing to tendon stress.
  • Supportive taping or bracing: Restrict movement and provide support to facilitate the healing process.
  • Corticosteroid injections: Though used sparingly, injections can provide temporary relief from severe discomfort.
  • Surgical intervention: In cases where your injury is extensive, we can refer you to have the impingement removed or the damaged tissue repaired.

Suspecting You Have Peroneal Tendonitis?

Rest, ice, and elevate your foot intermittently until a podiatrist can see you if you suspect you have peroneal tendonitis. Reducing your activity load is essential to limit the tendons from being further impacted. Peroneal tendonitis can be managed and healed; however, it is important that a podiatrist sees your ankle to ensure an accurate assessment, diagnosi

Book An Appointment

To book an appointment with our podiatrists, call our friendly team or schedule a consultation online via our booking portal. For any questions relating to peroneal tendonitis, feel free to leave us a message, and we will be in touch as soon as possible. Our team is more than happy to help you where we can. Get in touch with us today!

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