Peroneal Tendonitis Can Cause Arch Pain

Peroneal tendonitis is a tendon condition that causes severe pain on the outside edge and arch of the foot. There are two peroneal tendons on each foot (the peroneus longus and peroneus brevis), that run along the outer edge and connect to the muscles in your lower leg. They provide structure to the side of the foot and contribute to ankle stability.

When these tendons become stressed and irritated from pressure and overuse they can cause severe pain, tenderness, and stiffness that often radiates to the arch.  This condition can be misidentified as plantar fasciitis so be sure to see your foot doctor since treatment for the two conditions is quite different.

Treatment for peroneal tendonitis includes the following:

• Resting, icing, and ibuprofen—to reduce pain and swelling

• Physical therapy exercises—Stretching the calf muscles and doing ankle and foot strengthening flexibility exercises can help keep the condition from reoccurring.

• Ultrasound treatments—will promote more rapid healing of the tendons

• Custom orthotic shoe inserts—These can redirect pressure away from the side of the foot and allow healing to occur more quickly.

Peroneal tendonitis often responds very well to physical therapy and resting with surgery rarely is required.

If the pain, swelling, and tenderness do not subside after rest and physical therapy see your foot doctor about custom orthotics since the store bought variety are not very helpful for this condition and may actually make it worse. At E.J. Nemet Podiatry in Twinsburg,  E.J. Nemet, DPM, treats a variety of foot and ankle conditions, including sports injuries, pediatric foot problems, diabetic foot complications, nerve disorders, and toenail and skin conditions. With advanced technologies and a dedicated staff, Dr. Nemet provides expert and compassionate care to patients in the Twinsburg and Beachwood areas. To contact us or to schedule an appointment, please call (234) 212-9940.