At Shoreline Orthopaedics, our orthopaedic surgeons use a truly collaborative approach so our patients have the benefit of multiple expert opinions, without having to go elsewhere to obtain them.
Shoreline Orthopaedics provides more comprehensive services, state-of-the-art options, technologies and techniques than anyone else in the area.
The following information is provided to help you understand what you can expect from us regarding policies and procedures, and also what is expected of you before and after treatment or procedures.
The following information is provided to help you gain a better understanding of anatomy, terminology, certain orthopaedic procedures, and more. If you have any questions, feel free to ask your physician.
The ankle joint connects the leg and the foot. It is formed by three separate bones, the tibia, fibula and talus. The shinbone (tibia) supports most of a person's weight when standing. The outer bone (fibula) is the smaller bone of the lower leg. A small, irregular-shaped foot bone (talus) connects the tibia and fibula. Acting as a hinge, these bones form the ankle.
The foot is a complex, flexible structure that contains bones, joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments, all working together to enable movement and balance. The foot is divided into three sections, the forefoot, the midfoot and the hindfoot. The midfoot contains a pyramid-like group of bones, strengthened by tendons, muscles and ligaments to form three curves, or arches (medial, lateral and fundamental longitudinal), at the bottom of the foot.
Tendons are bands of tissue that attach muscle to bone. The peroneal tendons are two tendons in the foot that run side-by-side behind the outer ankle bone. One peroneal tendon attaches to the outer part of the midfoot, while the other runs under the foot and attaches near the inside of the arch. The main function of the peroneal tendons is to stabilize the foot and ankle and protect them from sprains.
Basic types of peroneal tendon injuries are tendinitis, acute and degenerative tears, and subluxation. Tendinitis is an inflammation of one or both tendons, caused by repetitive activity or overuse of the tendon; or trauma such as an ankle sprain. Acute tears are caused by repetitive activity or trauma, while degenerative tears (tendonosis) are usually due to overuse and may develop over a long period of time—often years. In degenerative tears, the tendon is like taffy that has been overstretched until it becomes thin and eventually frays. When one or both tendons slip out of their normal position, the injury is called a subluxation.
Peroneal tendon injuries occur most commonly in individuals who participate in sports that involve repetitive or excessive ankle motion. People with higher arches have an increased risk for developing peroneal tendon injuries.
The symptoms of a peroneal tendon injury may vary somewhat, depending on the type and severity of the injury.
Peroneal tendon injuries may worsen without proper treatment and are sometimes misdiagnosed, so prompt evaluation by a foot and ankle surgeon is advised. During the examination of your foot, the orthopaedic surgeon will check for pain, instability, swelling, warmth, and weakness on the outer side of the ankle. An X-ray or other advanced imaging studies may be needed to fully evaluate the injury. Prolonged discomfort after a simple sprain may be a sign of additional problems, so your surgeon will also look for signs of an ankle sprain and other related injuries that sometimes accompany a peroneal tendon injury.
In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair the tendon(s) and possibly the supporting structures of the foot. Your orthopaedic surgeon will determine the most appropriate procedure for your condition and lifestyle. After surgery, physical therapy is an important part of rehabilitation.
With any surgery there are some risks, and these vary from person to person. Complications are typically minor, treatable and unlikely to affect your final outcome. Your orthopaedic surgeon will speak to you prior to surgery to explain any potential risks and complications that may be associated with your procedure.