A sharp pop on the outside of your ankle during a ski run, a hard cut on the basketball court, or a misstep off a curb can leave you with a lingering instability that simply won’t go away. Peroneal tendon dysfunction is often missed at first, mistaken for a routine injury, only to flare up weeks or months later as ongoing pain, snapping, or a feeling that your ankle is giving way.
Led by Dr. D. Sean Sweeney, DPM, FACFAS, and Dr. Christy Leahey, DPM, FACFAS, Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists has cared for athletes, weekend warriors, and active families across The Woodlands and Magnolia for more than 20 years. Voted Best Podiatrist in The Woodlands by Living Magazine every year since 2012, the practice combines advanced technology with personalized, compassionate care.
What Is Peroneal Tendon Dysfunction?
The peroneal tendons, peroneus brevis and peroneus longus, run along the outside of your lower leg and behind the lateral malleolus, the bony bump on the outside of your ankle. They help turn your foot outward and act as a “stirrup” to support your arch. A band of tissue called the peroneal retinaculum holds them snugly in place.
When the retinaculum is stretched or torn, the tendons can slip or dislocate out of their groove. This often happens during skiing, football, basketball, or soccer, and can also follow a severe ankle sprain in non-athletes.
Common Symptoms
- A popping or snapping sensation behind the outer ankle
- Swelling and tenderness along the lateral malleolus
- Ankle instability or a feeling of “giving way”
- Pain when turning the foot outward or walking on uneven ground
How It’s Diagnosed
Your provider performs a careful physical exam, checking for swelling, tenderness, and reproducible tendon movement when you push your foot outward against resistance. X-rays help rule out related bone injuries, and an MRI may be ordered to evaluate tendon position and identify any tears.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Mild injuries usually respond well to conservative care. Initial treatment includes rest, ice, compression, and anti-inflammatory medication, often combined with crutches and a splint or cast boot for up to six weeks of non-weight-bearing healing. In-office physical therapy and MLS laser therapy, an FDA-cleared treatment with an 85–90% efficacy rate for reducing pain and inflammation, can further support recovery.
Surgical Treatment
When the retinaculum is torn or the tendons continue to dislocate, surgery may be needed. The procedure typically involves tightening the retinaculum with sutures and, when necessary, deepening the peroneal groove on the fibula to maintain tendon stability. Any tendon tears are repaired at the same time. Recovery includes a period of non-weight-bearing, followed by protected weight-bearing and physical therapy to rebuild strength and motion.
Why Choose Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists for Peroneal Tendon Dysfunction in The Woodlands, TX?
Patients across Greater Houston choose Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists for a reason. Dr. Sweeney and Dr. Leahey are board-qualified foot and ankle surgeons who treat ankle, tendon, and sports injuries every day, blending advanced diagnostics with conservative-first care whenever possible. Prompt appointments for urgent ankle concerns, two convenient locations, and a patient-centered approach mean you’re treated as a person, not a chart.
Take the Next Step Toward a Stable, Pain-Free Ankle
Peroneal tendon dysfunction rarely improves on its own, but with the right diagnosis and a tailored plan, most patients return to the activities they love. Whether your symptoms are new or have lingered for months, schedule a consultation with Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists. Call The Woodlands at (281) 292-4944 or Magnolia at (281) 789-4956 to get back on your feet with confidence.