PERONEAL TENDONITIS

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The peroneal tendon runs behind the lateral malleolus (the bony bit on the outside of the ankle). The peroneus longus tendon runs around the back of the lateral malleolus and under the foot to attach at the outside of the first metatarsal and cuneiform bones. The peroneus brevis passes around the back of the lateral malleolus and attaches to the outside of the foot on the base of the 5th metatarsal. The muscles act to dorsi flex the foot (point foot upwards) and evert the foot.

SYMPTOMS

• Pain and swelling on the outside of the ankle or heel.
• Pain is worse during activity and gets better with rest.
• Pain when pressing in on the peroneal tendons.
• Pain when the foot is passively inverted (stretching the peroneal muscles) and with resisted eversion.
• Calf muscles may be tight.

WHAT CAN THE ATHLETE DO?

• Stretch: The calf muscles and peroneal muscles.
• Massage: Will help reduce tension and lengthen the peroneal muscles.