Peroneal Tendonitis Treatment in Brighton, MI

Peroneal tendonitis is one of the most common causes of outer ankle pain, yet it often goes undiagnosed or gets mistaken for a simple ankle sprain. The peroneal tendons run along the outside of the ankle and play a critical role in stabilizing the foot during walking, running, and everyday movement. When these tendons become inflamed from overuse or injury, the result is persistent pain, swelling, and instability that won’t go away on its own.

What Are the Peroneal Tendons:

The two peroneal tendons — the peroneus longus and peroneus brevis — run side by side behind the outer ankle bone and attach to the foot. They work together to stabilize the ankle, support the arch, and allow the foot to move outward. Because they are constantly active during weight bearing activities, they are vulnerable to both sudden injury and gradual overuse.

Symptoms:

Peroneal tendonitis typically presents as pain and swelling along the outer ankle and foot, especially during or after activity. Common symptoms include:

Pain on the outside of the ankle that worsens with activity
Swelling behind the outer ankle bone
Stiffness or achiness in the morning
Instability or weakness when walking on uneven ground
A snapping or clicking sensation around the ankle

Causes:

Peroneal tendonitis most commonly develops from repetitive stress — particularly in runners, athletes, and people who spend long hours on their feet. Other contributing factors include:

Sudden increase in activity or training intensity
High arched feet placing extra strain on the tendons
Ankle instability from previous sprains
Tight calf muscles
Improper footwear

Diagnosis:

Dr. Castelein diagnoses peroneal tendonitis through a thorough physical examination and review of your symptoms and activity history. Brighton Foot & Ankle has in-office X-ray for immediate evaluation, and an MRI may be ordered to assess the extent of tendon damage and rule out tears or other injuries.

Conservative Treatment:

Most cases of peroneal tendonitis respond well to conservative care. Dr. Castelein typically begins with:

Rest and activity modification to reduce strain on the tendons
Ice and anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain and swelling
Custom orthotics to correct foot mechanics and reduce tendon stress
Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the surrounding muscles
Bracing or immobilization for more significant cases
Corticosteroid or PRP injections to reduce inflammation and promote healing

Peroneal Tendon Tears

In some cases peroneal tendonitis can progress to a tendon tear. Tears most commonly occur at the tip of the fibula where the tendon changes direction, increasing mechanical stress. Reduced blood supply in this area can also contribute to tearing over time. There are three grades of peroneal tendon tears:

Grade 1 — partial tearing of one tendon, both tendons remain intact
Grade 2 — one tendon is significantly torn, the other remains intact
Grade 3 — both tendons are significantly torn

Conservative treatment is a reasonable first step for most grades including immobilization in a boot, activity reduction, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. When conservative care does not provide adequate relief, surgical debridement to remove damaged tissue and repair the tendon may be recommended. In cases where one tendon is severely damaged it may be sutured to the healthier of the two tendons.

Surgical Treatment:

When conservative treatment hasn’t provided enough relief, Dr. Castelein offers minimally invasive surgical options to address the underlying tendon damage. Depending on what is found during evaluation, procedures may include debridement to clean up damaged or degenerated tissue, repair of partial or complete tendon tears, or a groove deepening procedure to prevent the tendons from slipping out of their normal position.
Dr. Castelein uses minimally invasive techniques wherever possible to reduce scarring and recovery time. Following surgery, a personalized rehabilitation program is developed in coordination with local physical therapists to restore strength, stability, and full range of motion — with the goal of getting you back to normal activity as quickly and safely as possible.

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Peroneal tendonitis is very treatable when caught early. Don’t let it become a chronic problem. Book online or call us today for an evaluation in Brighton, MI.

Julie

I'm so happy to have found Brighton Foot And Ankle in Brighton. The office staff and assistant are very pleasant. Dr. Bryant Castelein is a great knowledgeable Dr. Who has eased my worry over my medical condition. Plus he's handsome. I would highly recommend this practice for anyone needing podiatry help.

Amy

What great people to help you! From receptionist to doctor, they are top notch! You would not regret going here for any of your foot/ankle problems, they will fix you up with the utmost care and compassion.

Yo K

Dr. Castelein and staff were friendly, knowledgeable , efficient and took the time to get to know me and understand my medical needs. I would not hesitate to go to Brighton Foot & Ankle. They go out of their way to treat their patients like family.

Robert

Dr. Castelein is great; he is very nice, patient, and professional. His staff is also excellent and friendly. It's only been about three hours since having my big toenail removed and, with acetaminophen and ibuprofen, there is very little pain(sometimes I completely forget about it); he did an excellent job. Overall, I am very impressed with Dr. Casteleins Practice and I would highly recommend his office.

Joseph

Doctor & staff were so professional, friendly & efficient. I had a high risk condition that they expertly guided me through 5 months of healing. Thankfully a full recovery. I give them my best recommendation.

Lexi

Very friendly and accommodating front desk staff. Dr. Castelein and Jennifer always take their time and do an amazing job! Great variety of quick pick up over the counter products that are always affordable too. Best experience I have had at an office.

Christena

Dr. Castelein is very friendly and extremely knowledgeable in his field. During my visit he did a great job explaining my situation and was very encouraging of any questions. I never felt rushed and I believe to have received the best care possible. Highly recommend this doctor and this facility.

Nicole C

Excellent staff and exceptional doctor. I went in with Bunion issues. Dr. Castelein listened to my concerns and addressed my options. 4 days post-op bunion surgery I can say he did an amazing job. Best experience I have ever had. I would definitely recommend; I promise you won't look further.

Ashley

The staff and Dr. Castelein are all amazing. They are polite and very respectful. I came to see them in 2019 for bunion and hammer toe issues among some others. Dr. Castelein and his assistant listened to my concerns and gave me my options. He explained everything to me in detail and all my questions were answered.. I have seen other podiatrists and he is beyond the best. I would recommend him to anyone.

Alex

Friendly staff and intelligent doctor! I went in for some ankle X-rays and was given a great strategy on the different ways to heal my ankle, and how to progress forward if less invasive treatment doesn't help. I would highly recommend them to anyone with foot or ankle problems!