Pain on the outside of your ankle? It could be Peroneal Tendonitis!

Have you ever felt pain on the outside of your ankle, just below the shin, while walking, running, or just standing? This pain may be accompanied by a little swelling. Many people think it's just a sprained ankle, but it could be something a little different. Today we're going to talk about a condition that many people don't know about, but can affect a lot of people, called Peroneal Tendonitis.

Simply put, what is Peroneal Tendonitis?

Okay, this name may sound a little complicated, but the story is very simple. There are two strong bands of tissue that run from your shin, just outside your ankle, to the bones of your foot. Like ropes. We call these the peroneal tendons . The main function of these two tendons is to keep your foot and ankle stable and help you maintain balance. These two tendons are what keep your ankle from rolling back and forth when you walk, run, or jump.

Tendonitis is the inflammation or swelling of a tendon. Peroneal Tendonitis is the inflammation, swelling, and pain of the peroneal tendons we mentioned earlier. When these tendons become inflamed, they cannot move smoothly, and that's when the pain starts.

Who is most likely to develop this condition?

This can actually happen to anyone. But some people are at a higher risk. See if you're one of these people.

• For those who play sports: This risk is especially high for those who play sports that put a lot of pressure on the ankle and frequently change direction (e.g. basketball, soccer, tennis).
• People over 40: As we age, the flexibility of our tendons decreases slightly.
• People who don't stretch properly before exercising: When you suddenly exert your body with intense exercise, you can damage your tendons.
• People with certain medical conditions: People with diseases such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout.
• People who have had previous tendon injuries.
• People with high arches : The way the weight is distributed on the foot of these people is different, which puts more pressure on the tendons.
• People who are overweight or obese: The more body weight, the more pressure the feet have to bear.
• Smokers: Smoking reduces blood flow to the tendons, which can weaken them.

How do you know if you have this too? (Symptoms)

If you suspect you have this condition, check to see if you have the symptoms below.

Could this be serious? Could the tendon be torn?

Yes. This is something we need to be very careful about . If you ignore this pain and continue to exercise and work, this condition can get worse. If left untreated, the weakened tendon can rupture or become subluxated . This means that the tendon can tear completely or partially. If this happens, you will feel things like this:

• Extreme weakness or instability in the ankle: It feels as if there is no strength in the ankle.
• Severe, sharp pain on the outside of the foot and ankle.
• A "pop" sound or a sensation as if the tendon is popping.

If you have symptoms like these, it's an emergency. You should see a doctor immediately .

How exactly does the doctor find this?

Because these symptoms are similar to many other conditions, such as a sprain, arthritis, or a broken bone, it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. Studies have shown that up to 60% of patients are initially misdiagnosed.

But your doctor will examine you carefully.

1. Physical examination: The doctor will feel your foot and ankle and check for any swelling or pain.

2. Range of motion test: You will be asked to turn your ankle in different directions and raise and lower your foot to check the range of motion of your joint.

3. Imaging tests: If there is any doubt, an X-ray, MRI, CT scan , or ultrasound scan may be recommended to determine if a bone is broken, cartilage is damaged, or a tendon is torn.

Okay, now let's talk about treatment!

The good news is that most cases can be treated without surgery and within three to four weeks with simple treatments. However, if it was caused by another accident, such as a sprained leg, the recovery time may be a little longer.

Things you can do at home (RICE method)

This is the first and most important treatment. RICE stands for:

• R - Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain completely. Stop running and jumping. Give your leg a rest.
• I - Ice: Apply ice to the area of ​​pain and swelling for about 20 minutes every two hours . Do not apply the ice directly to the skin, but wrap it in a cloth.
• C - Compression: Wrap an elastic bandage slightly above the ankle to reduce swelling. But don't wrap it too tightly, as this can cut off blood flow.
• E - Elevation: Whenever possible, keep your leg elevated above the level of your heart. This can be done by placing a pillow on top of it.

Medical treatment

In addition to home treatments, your doctor may recommend the following:

• Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., Ibuprofen, Diclofenac) may be given to reduce pain and inflammation. In some severe cases, a steroid injection may be given around the tendon.
• Ankle Bracing: If you have to do activities like running or jumping, you may be asked to wear a special ankle brace to keep your ankle stable.
• Immobilization: Sometimes you may need to wear a special boot or soft cast to give the tendons complete rest.
• Physical Therapy: This is very important. A physical therapist will teach you specific exercises and stretching exercises to help you regain strength and flexibility in your ankle and foot.

Is surgery possible?

Most of the time, it's not necessary. However, if there's no improvement after several months of the simple treatments we discussed earlier, or if the tendon has ruptured, you may need surgery.

This surgery involves removing and cleaning the outer layer of tissue around the damaged tendon. This is called a synovectomy . With current technology, some people can have this surgery done through smaller incisions, which can help them recover more quickly.

How can we prevent this situation from happening again?

"Prevention is better than cure," they say. So, whether you have this condition or not, following the steps below can help protect your ankle health.

• Warm up and stretch thoroughly before exercising.
• Don't start intense exercise all at once. Increase the intensity gradually.
• Wear a pair of shoes that fit your body.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• If you have pain in your foot or ankle, don't exercise with it. Rest.
• If you smoke, stop.
• If you have a problem with the arch of your foot, use special insoles (orthotics) only if recommended by a doctor.

In these times, you should definitely see a doctor.

If you have any of the symptoms below, do not try to treat yourself at home and see a doctor immediately . You may need to go to the Emergency Department (ETU).

Peroneal Tendonitis, Ankle Pain, Tendonitis, Foot Pain, Sports Injuries, Ankle Swelling, Tendonitis Sinhala