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Torn Peroneal Tendon Treatment

The peroneal tendon, a tendon of the lower-leg and ankle, may be treated either with or without surgery, depending upon the nature of the tear. Because it is a relatively uncommon injury, there is a lack of clinical studies to regulate treatment plans.

  1. The Peroneal Tendon

    • The peroneal tendon consists of two parts: the peronius longus and the peronius brevis. These two parts run along side each other down the outside of the lower leg, wrapping around the ankle and then each attaching to separate parts of the foot.

    Causes of Injury

    • Injuries of the peroneal tendon, including tears, occur the most during excessive straining from athletic activities, and may be related with the misalignment of the ankle or repeated ankle sprains.

    Consensus Approach

    • Due to the lack of clinical studies concerning peroneal tendon tears, doctors take a consensus approach to healing. This means that treatment decisions are made based upon professional evaluations and the accumulation of specific case studies, rather then by regulated standards for treatment.

    Conservative Care

    • In minor tears, a conservative care plan is attempted for a full recovery. This means non-operative treatments, which include anti-inflammatory medicine (to stop swelling), physical therapy, and assistive equipment such as a heel wedge. However, even in minor tears, surgery may become necessary depending on the effectiveness of this treatment as well as the possible presence of other damaged tissue.

    Surgery

    • For serious tears, surgery is needed. Generally, patients should resort to surgery if more than 50 percent of the peroneal tendon has been torn. If a surgeon is unable to repair a damaged tendon, he may have to perform a tendon graft or tendon transfer--replacing a part of the tendon or the whole thing.

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