Peroneal Tendonitis Treatment in Beverly Hills
The peroneal tendons are on the outer side of the ankle. The muscles of these tendons are on the outside of the calf. The job of these tendons are to flex the foot downward and away from the other foot. There are 2 tendons, one short (peroneus brevis) and one longer (peroneus longus).
Peroneal tendonitis is in an inflammation of the tendons from injury. One or both of these tendons can become damaged from trauma or overuse over time. Left untreated, tendonitis can lead to split tears within the tendon and further damage and pain. Diagnosis is made by a careful clinical examination and an in office diagnostic ultrasound or MRI.
Patients may complain of a deep achy pain on the outer side of the ankle with walking or activity. In some cases the tendons can dislocate from the groove of the outer ankle bone that they lie within. They can become strained or frayed or torn and split. Those patients with high arched foot types are more prone to peroneal tendon damage. Patients with severe ankle sprains or chronic ankle instability often have associated peroneal tendon damage.
When diagnosed early, peroneal tendonitis can be treated conservatively with complete rest of the tendon in a special walking boot and physical therapy. Custom molded orthotics can redirect the pull on the tendons to help prevent recurrence.
In chronic cases, Dr. Soomekh may offer platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy. This treatment can stimulate the tendon and promote healing.
Some cases will require surgical repair of the tendon. Surgery will remove any damaged portion of the tendon and repair any splits and tears. When needed, the groove in the ankle bone can be deepened in cases of tendon subluxation. In severe cases, the tendon may need to be augmented with donated human tendon, PRP, and stem cells.
