7 Surprising Ways to Decrease Inflammation in Your Feet
Swollen feet can happen to anyone, at any time. Simple remedies are often the key to mending your swollen feet. Keep reading to learn seven ways you can reduce inflammation in your feet.
Peroneal Tendon Injuries: The Overlooked Cause of Outer Ankle Pain
Ankle injuries are incredibly common, especially if you lead an active lifestyle or participate in sports. When most people experience a twist or a roll of the foot, they assume they have suffered a typical ankle sprain. However, when pain, swelling, and instability on the outer edge of the ankle linger for weeks or months, the true culprit may be an overlooked peroneal tendon injury.
The peroneal tendons are two supportive bands of tissue that run side by side behind your outer ankle bone. They play a critical role in stabilizing your foot and protecting your lower leg from rolling outward. At Podiatry Hotline Foot & Ankle in Mission Viejo, California, podiatrist Thomas Rambacher, DPM, FACFAS, FAPWCA, and our team specialize in identifying and treating these complex tendon issues to restore your mobility.
Types of peroneal tendon injuries
Peroneal tendon problems generally take several forms depending on how the damage occurred. Understanding these categories helps our team determine the right path for your recovery:
- Tendonitis: This is an inflammation of the tendons caused by repetitive motion, overuse, or a sudden increase in physical activity. It leads to a persistent ache along the outside of the foot.
- Acute tears: A sudden trauma, such as a severe ankle inversion, can cause the tendon tissue to tear. This results in immediate pain and swelling.
- Subluxation: This occurs when the tissues holding the tendons in place stretch or snap, allowing the tendons to slip out of their natural groove behind the ankle bone. You might feel a distinct snapping or popping sensation.
Signs you shouldn’t ignore
If you are living with outer ankle discomfort, watch out for these warning signs that indicate your peroneal tendons need medical attention:
- Swelling and tenderness directly behind the outer ankle bone
- Pain that worsens during physical activity or when pushing off your foot
- A feeling of instability or weakness when walking on uneven surfaces
- Warmth to the touch or redness around the outer ankle area
Managing your recovery
Leaving a tendon injury untreated can lead to chronic ankle weakness and long-term joint damage. Our team focuses on creating customized treatment plans to help your tissues heal cleanly and efficiently.
Depending on the severity of your injury, we often recommend conservative, nonsurgical therapies to reduce inflammation and stabilize the joint. These treatments can include resting the leg, using specialized braces or walking boots, and using medical-grade custom orthotics to take the pressure off the healing tendons.
For complex cases involving severe tears or recurring subluxation, Dr. Rambacher can discuss advanced surgical options to repair the tissue and restore stability.
If you’re tired of dealing with persistent ankle pain that just won’t seem to clear up, our team is here to help. Contact Podiatry Hotline Foot & Ankle today to schedule an evaluation and get started on the road to a comfortable, active recovery.
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