The peroneal tendons are three tendons that run along the outside of the ankle and foot. They help to stabilize the ankle and prevent it from rolling inward. Peroneal tendonitis is an inflammation of these tendons. It is a common injury among athletes, especially runners, dancers, and hikers.
Let’s explore this condition further and the role the right shoes plays in the treatment of peroneal tendonitis.
What Causes Peroneal Tendonitis?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to peroneal tendonitis, including:
- Overuse – Repeatedly putting stress on the peroneal tendons can lead to inflammation.
- Poor footwear – Shoes that do not provide adequate support for the ankles can increase the risk of peroneal tendonitis.
- Ankle sprain – A previous ankle sprain can weaken the peroneal tendons and make them more susceptible to injury.
- High arches – People with high arches are more likely to develop peroneal tendonitis because their feet are more prone to rolling inward.
Symptoms of Peroneal Tendonitis
The symptoms of peroneal tendonitis include:
- Pain on the outside of the ankle or foot
- Swelling and inflammation
- Tenderness to the touch
- Weakness in the ankle
- Difficulty walking or running
Treatment for Peroneal Tendonitis
Treatment for peroneal tendonitis typically includes:
- Rest – Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain can help give the tendons time to heal.
- Ice – Applying ice to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Compression – Compressing the affected area with an elastic bandage can help reduce swelling.
- Elevation – Elevating the affected leg can also help reduce swelling.
- Physical therapy – Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the ankle and improve range of motion.
- Medication – In some cases, medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation.
Choosing the Right Shoes for Peroneal Tendon Health
The right shoes can help prevent peroneal tendonitis and promote healing. When choosing shoes, look for shoes that:
- Provide good arch support – Arch support helps keep the foot from rolling inward, which can put stress on the peroneal tendons.
- Have a firm heel counter – A firm heel counter helps stabilize the ankle and prevent it from rolling inward.
- Are not too loose or too tight – Shoes that are too loose can allow the foot to move too much, which can put stress on the peroneal tendons. Shoes that are too tight can restrict blood flow and make the pain worse.
- Have a wide toe box – A wide toe box allows the toes to spread out, which helps reduce pressure on the peroneal tendons.
In addition to choosing the right shoes, it is also important to wear shoes that are appropriate for the activity you are doing. For example, if you are running, you will need shoes that provide more support than if you are walking.
If you are already experiencing peroneal tendonitis, it is important to wear shoes that provide extra support. You may also want to consider wearing orthotics, which are custom-made inserts that can help improve arch support and alignment.
By wearing the right shoes, you can help prevent peroneal tendonitis and promote healing.
Additional Tips for Choosing the Right Footwear
To find the best footwear, you can:
- Go shoe shopping and try on new shoes at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest (to ensure they aren’t too tight).
- Walk around in the shoes to make sure they are comfortable.
- Look for shoes with a cushioned heel and arch.
- Avoid shoes with high heels or a lot of arch support, as these can make the pain worse.
If you are unsure what type of shoes are right for you, talk to a podiatrist. They can help you choose the right shoes to prevent and treat peroneal tendonitis.
When to See a Doctor for Peroneal Tendonitis
If you are experiencing pain on the outside of your ankle or foot, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment.
You should see a doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Severe pain that makes it difficult to walk or bear weight on your foot
- Swelling and redness around the ankle or foot
- Numbness or tingling in the foot
- Weakness in the ankle
- A popping or clicking sensation in the ankle
If you are not experiencing any of these severe symptoms, you can still see a doctor for treatment. They will be able to diagnose the condition and recommend the best course of treatment even if you have minor symptoms.
Your foot doctor will likely ask you about your medical history and symptoms. They will also perform a physical exam of your ankle and foot and may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to rule out other conditions.
Peroneal Tendonitis Treatment in Cincinnati, OH
Peroneal tendonitis is a common injury that can be prevented by choosing the right shoes and avoiding activities that aggravate the pain. If you are experiencing pain on the outside of your ankle or foot, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment.
Do you need personalized and effective peroneal tendonitis treatment in Cincinnati? If so, you can place your trust in Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care (CFAC). Our highly skilled and trained podiatrists will make sure you get the care you deserve. You may contact one of our 17 locations across southwest Ohio. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment with the best foot doctor in Cincinnati using our online request form.
