Peroneal Tendon Injuries
Peroneal tendon injuries may be acute or chronic. 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. The following are the three basic types of peroneal tendon injuries:
- Tendonitis is an inflammation of one or both tendons
- Acute tears are caused by repetitive activity or trauma
- Tendonosis are usually due to overuse and occur over long periods of time
Because peroneal tendon injuries are sometimes misdiagnosed and may worsen without proper treatment, evaluation by a podiatrist is advised. To diagnose a peroneal tendon injury, the surgeon will examine the foot and look for pain, instability, swelling, warmth and weakness on the outer side of the ankle. In addition, imaging studies such as an MRI or ultrasound may be needed to fully evaluate the injury.
Treatment depends on the type of peroneal tendon injury.
Shin Splint Pain
"Shin splints" is a term to describe pain and swelling in the front of the lower legs. The pain usually appears after and is aggravated by repetitive activities such as running or walking. Contributing causes are flat feet, calf tightness, improper training techniques, worn out or improper shoes/sneakers, as well as running or walking on uneven surfaces. The inflammation in the shin results from the repeated pull of a muscle in the leg from the shin bone (tibia).