Peroneal Tendon Rupture

Description

Peroneal tendon rupture is a complete tear of one of the peroneal tendons, which are the tendon attachments of the outer leg muscles, the peroneus brevis and peroneus longus, to the outer part of the foot and the bottom of the inner part of the foot, respectively. Peroneal tendon rupture results in loss of continuity between one or both of the outer leg muscles and the foot, causing loss of muscle function. Usually only one of the tendons is torn or ruptured. The function of the peroneal muscles is to turn the foot outward and forcefully push the front of the foot down, such as when standing on the toes or pushing off with walking, running, or jumping.

Common signs and symptoms

• A pop or rip felt behind the outer part of the ankle

• Pain and weakness with moving the foot, especially when pushing down with the front of the foot or when turning it inward

• Weakness or inability to stand on the toes or the ball of foot

• Tenderness, swelling, warmth, and redness around the peroneal tendons

• Bruising at the heel after 48 hours

Causes

Peroneal tendon rupture is believed to be due to overuse of the lower leg muscles or the result of mechanical wear of the tendon in its groove behind the outer ankle, resulting in a degenerative process. It may also occur from strain from a sudden increase in the amount or intensity of activity, from a direct injury, or from injury to the lower leg, foot, or ankle. Usually the rupture occurs after a sudden episode of stressful overactivity—such as with jumping, hurdling, or starting a sprint—when the tendon is already degenerated. Rarely, a direct laceration (cut) of the tendon or direct trauma may also cause this injury.

Factors that increase risk

• Sports that require sudden, explosive muscle contraction, such as those involving jumping and quick starts

• Sports that require running and contact sports

• Sports that require kicking with the outer part of the foot (martial arts)

< div class='tao-gold-member'>

Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related

Related posts:

Birth Control and Sports Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm Glucosamine Dislocation or Subluxation Meniscal Cyst Subtalar Dislocation

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Join

Full access? Get Clinical Tree