Longitudinal Tear of the Peroneus Brevis Tendon
A 27-year-old male, weighing 220 pounds and standing at 6 feet 1 inch, has experienced significant discomfort at the rear of his ankle during specific movements that cause stretching. Activities such as performing the plank position exacerbated the pain in this area. After undergoing an MRI, results indicated a 2mm tear in the tendon. Months have passed since then, and while the initial pain has greatly diminished to the point where the back of the ankle feels normal, he has lately been hit with sudden, sharp pain on the outer side of the ankle near the malleolus occurring two to three times a week while walking. Initially, he was under the impression that the tear had fully healed. However, after researching lateral ankle pain, he discovered that issues with the peroneal tendon are frequently associated with this type of discomfort. He had previously consulted an orthopedic surgeon about his condition, believing recovery was on track due to the improvement in the back of the ankle. Now, he is reconsidering whether this recent lateral pain could indeed be linked to the earlier tendon injury. Any insights on this would be appreciated. Thank you!
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 12:40:32 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing some renewed discomfort related to your previous tendon injury, which is understandable given your recent symptoms. Here’s a summary of what's happening and what you can do moving forward.
Summary of Key Points
- Persistent Symptoms: You have a history of a peroneus brevis tendon tear, and now you’re experiencing sharp pain on the outer side of your ankle.
- Connection to Injury: Based on your description, there is a possibility that the recent pain is related to the earlier injury, as issues with the peroneal tendons can manifest in lateral ankle pain.
Explanation
A longitudinal tear in the peroneus brevis tendon can initially heal well, but residual issues may persist or arise, especially if the tendon hasn’t fully adapted to stress during activities. The sharp pain you describe near the malleolus (the bony prominence on the outer ankle) could indicate several possibilities:
- Residual Tendon Problems: Sometimes, tendons can remain sensitive or develop adhesions that cause pain during specific movements.
- Instability or Overuse: The peroneal tendons help stabilize the ankle, and if there is weakness or improper loading, this may lead to pain.
- Compensatory Mechanisms: If you altered your gait or movements to avoid pain while healing, it could have led to strain in a different area.
Next Steps
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Modify Activities: Pay attention to movements that provoke pain (like certain walking motions) and try to modify these until symptoms settle. Reduce or avoid intense activities (such as planks) that stress the ankle.
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Strengthening & Stretching: Engage in a rehabilitation program that includes:
- Ankle stability exercises (like resistance bands for inversion/eversion movements).
- Calf and peroneal muscle strengthening to support the ankle.
- Gentle stretching to maintain flexibility without exacerbating pain.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal of your pain episodes (when they occur, their intensity, and any actions preceding them) to help identify triggers and patterns.
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Ice and Rest: Use ice on the painful area after activities to help reduce any inflammation, and rest as needed.
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Consider an Ankle Brace: Wearing an ankle brace during activities might provide additional support and help reduce pain.
If these measures don’t alleviate your symptoms, or if you experience new symptoms like swelling, significant weakness, or if the pain worsens, it would be advisable to follow up with a healthcare professional who can reassess your condition more thoroughly.
Stay charted on your recovery, and take care!
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