Peroneal Tendon Dislocation Dysfunction

There are two peroneal tendons in the foot: the peroneus brevis and the peroneus longus. These tendons start just inside your arch, next to the heel, and spread to the back of the foot. The peroneus longus is positioned laterally from the back of the heel and attaches to the inside of the arch. The peroneus longus is responsible for stabilizing the foot while walking.

The peroneus brevis tendon starts at the top of the back of the heel and courses down to the outside of the foot, about halfway to the toes. The brevis tendon is also responsible for stabilizing the foot while walking. These two tendons allow you to roll to the outside of the foot while standing.

Peroneal tendons are also called stirrup tendons because they help hold up the arch of the foot. The two peroneal tendons depend on bands of tissues to hold them in place, called peroneal retinaculum (retinacula if singular). If the retinaculum are torn or injured, it can have major effects on the peroneal tendons such as dislocation. The tendons can be seen to roll over the outside of the fibula, which damages the tendons.

Skiing, football, basketball, and soccer are the most common sports activities leading to peroneal tendon dislocation. In some cases, ankle sprains have also caused this condition. Patients usually have to use crutches after such an injury, in order to allow the retinaculum tissue to heal and the tendons to move back to their natural position on the fibula. Sometimes a splint or compression bandage is applied to decrease swelling. Anti-inflammatory medications and ice are often part of the treatment.

In moderate to severe cases of injury, when the peroneus retinaculum is torn or severely stretched and susceptible to dislocation, surgery may be required.

If you are feeling severe pain in your foot, do not hesitate to call Dr. Danciger. Delaying or avoiding  treatment can lead to more severe injury and complications.