PERONEAL TENDON INJURIES
WHAT ARE THE PERONEAL TENDONS?
Commonly referred to as poor circulation, Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is the restriction of blood flow in the arteries of the leg. When arteries become narrowed by plaque (the accumulation of cholesterol and other materials on the walls of the arteries), the blood flowing through the arteries cannot reach the legs and feet.
Common symptoms of PAD include: Leg pain (cramping) that occurs while walking, leg pain (cramping) that occurs while lying down (rest pain), leg numbness or weakness, cold legs or feet, sores that will not heal on toes, feet or legs, a change in leg color, loss of hair on the feet and legs, and changes in toenail color and thickness.
CAUSES & SYMPTOMS OF PERONEAL TENDON INJURIES:
Peroneal tendon injuries may be acute (occurring suddenly) or chronic (developing over a period of time). They most commonly occur in individuals who participate in sports that involve repetitive ankle motion. In addition, people with higher arches are at risk for developing peroneal tendon injuries. Basic types of peroneal tendon injuries are tendonitis, tears and subluxation.
Tendonitis is an inflammation of one or both tendons. Acute tears are caused by repetitive activity or trauma. Degenerative tears (tendonosis) are usually due to overuse and occur over long periods of time, often years. In degenerative tears, the tendon is like taffy that has been overstretched until it becomes thin and eventually frays. Subluxation means one or both tendons have slipped out of their normal position.
TREATMENT
Treatment depends on the type of peroneal tendon injury. Conservative options include: immobilization, oral anti-inflammatories, injection therapy, physical therapy, or bracing. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair the tendon or tendons and perhaps the supporting structures of the foot. After surgery, physical therapy is an important part of rehabilitation.
