Peroneal tendons help control the movement of your feet. Injuries to these tendons are common, especially in athletes, since the feet must absorb the weight of your body. If your peroneal tendons become damaged or move out of place, surgery may be needed. This operation, along with a proper physical therapy program, can help restore the strength and mobility in your foot and ankle.
Peroneal Tendons
Tendons are soft tissues that connect muscles to bone. You have two peroneal tendons in each of your feet. These tendons run alongside each other behind your outer ankle bone. The outer tendon attaches to the outside of your midfoot, while the other runs under your foot to the arch. Injuries to the peroneal tendons are common, especially in athletes who constantly run and jump. Injuries can occur suddenly or develop over time. Common peroneal injuries include tendonitis, or inflammation of the tendons; tears, when the tendons rip; and subluxation, where the tendons slip out of their normal position.
Surgery
When nonsurgical treatments such as pain medication, physical therapy and immobilization are not effective, surgery may be required. During the operation, you will be given anesthesia, and a small incision will be made on the outside of your ankle. One of several types of peroneal tendon procedures will be performed, depending on your injury. If the tendon is torn, it will be stitched back together. If it is inflamed, some of the irritated tissue surrounding the tendon will be removed. After the operation, your wound is covered and a splint is applied to your foot. You should use crutches to walk for at least the first few days.
Rehabilitation
You will need to wear a cast on your foot for the first four to six weeks after surgery, after which you should wear a special walking boot for another four weeks. Once the cast is removed, you can begin physical therapy. At first, therapy will focus on controlling pain and swelling, and range of motion in your ankle. This will be done using ice, massage and non-strenuous exercise. After about four weeks, you can begin more active exercise to gradually strengthen the muscles in your foot. In the end, physical therapy should help limit your pain, improve your range of motion, and maximize strength and control in your ankle.
Prognosis
You will probably begin to feel better after several weeks of rehabilitation. However, follow your doctor's instructions regarding the length of your therapy. Physical therapy should be completed in its entirety. After a successful peroneal tendon surgery and rehabilitation, you regain full strength in your foot and ankle, and complete range of motion without pain.
