About Lateral Ankle Tendonitis
Lateral ankle tendonitis is caused by inflammation and irritation of the peroneal tendons that run along the outer side of the foot and ankle. The disease causes of this condition are not fully understood, but they may include:
- Overuse or repetitive activities that strain the tendons
- Trauma or injury to the ankle
- Unusual foot structures, such as flat feet or high arches, that put extra stress on the tendons
Non-modifiable risk factors for lateral ankle tendonitis, which are disease factors that cannot be changed or modified to reduce the risk of developing the condition, include:
- Age: Tendonitis is more common in older adults
- Gender: It tends to affect males more frequently than females
- Genetics: Certain genetic factors may increase the risk
Modifiable risk factors for lateral ankle tendonitis are those that can be changed or managed to reduce the risk of developing the condition. These may include:
- Improper footwear: Wearing shoes that do not provide proper support or cushioning
- Training errors: Overtraining, sudden increase in activity level, or inadequate rest periods
- Muscle imbalances: Weakness or tightness in certain muscles around the ankle and foot
- Poor biomechanics: Abnormal foot and ankle mechanics during movement
It's important to note that these risk factors can vary from person to person. If you think you may have lateral ankle tendonitis, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Common early symptoms of lateral ankle tendonitis include:
- Pain inside the foot and ankle
- Warmth, redness, or swelling in the affected area
As lateral ankle tendonitis progresses or becomes more severe, additional symptoms may occur:
- Flattening of the foot arch
- Turning of the toes and front of the foot towards the pinky toe
- Inward rolling of the ankle
- Pain shifting to the outside of the foot, beneath the ankle
- Development of arthritis in the foot and ankle
It's important to note that these symptoms can vary from person to person. If you are experiencing any symptoms of lateral ankle tendonitis, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
To diagnose lateral ankle tendonitis, doctors may perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Medical history: A complete medical history, including family medical history, is obtained.
- Physical examination: A physical examination is conducted to look for specific signs of lateral ankle tendonitis. This may include assessing swelling of the posterior tibial tendon, collapsed arch on the foot, outward tilt to the heel, "too many toes" sign (this happens when the heel may angle outwards relative to the calf and ankle, and more toes can be seen), inability to stand on tip toes, and affected range of motion in the foot and ankle.
- Imaging tests: Doctors may order imaging tests to aid in diagnosis. These may include X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography scan (CT scan), or ultrasound.
To determine the severity of lateral ankle tendonitis, additional examinations, tests, and procedures may be performed:
- Ultrasound examination: An ultrasound examination can give detailed images of the middle foot joint, as well as the ligaments that help hold the ankle bones together, including the ones on the outer side of the ankle.
- X-rays: X-rays can be used to check for small bone breaks near the lower part of the leg bone (fibula).
- Follow-up radiography: Follow-up X-rays after a few weeks can help the doctor to see if symptoms are getting better or worse.
It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate diagnostic testing.
The goals of treatment for lateral ankle tendonitis are to reduce pain, inflammation, and promote healing. Here are the recommended treatments and how they work to achieve these goals:
- Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation. They work by inhibiting the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause pain and swelling. However, it is important to ask your doctor about the appropriate dosing for your individual situation.
- Therapies: Physical therapy can be beneficial for lateral ankle tendonitis. It focuses on strengthening the muscles around the ankle, improving flexibility, and correcting any imbalances or abnormalities in movement patterns. This can help alleviate symptoms and prevent future injuries.
- Therapeutic procedures: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. These injections work by delivering a potent anti-inflammatory medication directly into the affected area.
- Self-care and health behavior changes: Making certain lifestyle modifications can also aid in the treatment of lateral ankle tendonitis. Resting the affected tendon by avoiding repetitive activities that worsen the injury is crucial for healing. Applying ice to the area can help reduce inflammation and pain. Additionally, modifying footwear or using orthotic inserts may provide support and alleviate stress on the tendon.
It's important to note that these recommendations are general guidelines and may vary depending on individual circumstances. Consult with your healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition.