Peroneal Tendon Dislocation/Dysfunction

The Peroneal tendons are two tendons whose muscles (Peroneus Brevis and Peroneus Longus) that originate on the outside of the calves. These two muscles help stabilize your feet while standing or climbing stairs. On the inside of the arch, there are muscles that oppose the peroneals. They work together similar to a stirrup.

Also called "stirrup" tendons because they help hold up the arch of the foot, the muscles are held in place by a band of tissue called the peroneal retinaculum. Injury to the retinaculum can cause it to stretch or even tear. When this happens, the peroneal tendons can dislocate from their groove on the back of the fibula. The tendons can be seen to roll over the outside of the fibula, damaging the tendons.

Snow skiing, football, basketball, and soccer are the most common sports activities that can result in peroneal tendon dislocation. Ankle sprains have also known to lead to the condition.

Patients usually have to use crutches after such an injury, in order to allow the strain to heal. Sometimes, a splint or compression bandage is applied to decrease swelling. Anti-inflammatory medications and ice also supplement treatment. Consult your physician before taking any medications.

Surgery can be performed on patients with moderate to severe injuries that cause the peroneal retinaculum to be torn or severely stretched to a point that the peroneal tendons will easily dislocate.