How to Heal From Peroneal Tendon Surgery

In the lower leg, three muscles that make up the "'peroneals." They are the peroneus longus, brevis and tertius muscles. When one or more of these muscles, their tendons or the sheath that keeps the tendons in place becomes injured, surgery may be required to fix the problem. Surgery is generally the last option for injuries that have not responded to conservative treatment. The severity and location of the injury will determine what the surgery, and ultimately what the healing process after surgery will be like.

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Pillow
• Crutches
• Walking boot

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Instructions

• 1

  Day One: Use crutches to move around, making sure not to place any weight at all on the injured leg. Once home, lie on a flat surface and place a pillow beneath the injured leg so it is elevated above the level of the heart. Place the ice on the injured area if possible unless instructed otherwise by doctor. Concentrate on managing the pain for the first day.

• 2

  Day 2 through Day 10: Continue to use crutches to move when necessary. Whenever possible, continue lying down with the leg elevated and covered with ice. This will help to keep the swelling down. Swelling and edema are two factors which, if left unchecked, can slow down the healing process and cause significant pain. Report to post-surgical appointment to remove stitches and/or protective brace, and examine the wound for infection if the surgeon has scheduled one.

• 3

  Day 2 through Week 6: Wear protective walking boot or brace whenever you are moving around, if your doctor prescribes one. Follow the guidelines from your surgeon in regards to removal of the brace for sleeping/showering. It is important not to attempt active exercise or unprotected weight-bearing on the injured leg during the first six weeks.

• 4

  Week 6 through full recovery: Begin partial weight-bearing after six weeks. Your surgeon will most likely prescribe physical therapy during this period to help regain muscle strength and flexibility. Be sure to perform all prescribed exercises and therapies to ensure proper healing. The time frame for full recovery is dependent on the type of injury and surgery performed. However, with most peroneal tendon surgeries, activities like jogging and running cannot be resumed for at least four months after surgery.