Facts About Peroneal Tendon Injuries For Soccer Players
If you play soccer, you may know how much your feet matter to the game. From kicking the ball, sliding and tackling, your feet take a beating to move the ball to the goal. Learn more about peroneal tendon injuries and how they are common in soccer players.
What Is A Peroneal Tendon?
Tendons are tough connective tissues responsible for holding muscle and bone together. The two peroneal tendons in each of your feet run alongside the ankle bone, one leading to the outer part of the middle area of the foot while the other goes under the foot and is attached to the inner part of the arch. Peroneal tendons provide strong support for the foot ankle, helping you walk without constantly twisting or spraining your ankle. However, in extreme sports like soccer, the peroneal tendons can be stressed and pulled in ways that cause them to undergo tears and strains.
Repetitive Ankle Motions Are A Part Of Soccer
Repetitive motions in the ankle are the greatest cause of peroneal tendon injuries. Some peroneal tendon injuries are acute and come about fast while others may take a while to develop. People with high arches are at higher risk of sustaining peroneal tendon injuries. If you have high arches and play soccer, you are likely to suffer this type of injury. The symptoms of acute peroneal tendon injuries include:
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Pain
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Swelling in the ankle and foot
If you do not have a noticeable weakness in the injured foot, you could be suffering from tendonitis, a condition that describes pain, swelling and inflammation in tendons, the peroneal tendons included.
Treatment Options For Peroneal Tendon Injuries
Depending on the severity of the injury to your peroneal tendons, your physician may put a cast on your foot to keep it immobilized until healing takes place. Your physician may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications for the pain while encouraging you to stay off your foot and rest. You be advised to apply heat or ice to the affected foot as well. You might also need to wear a brace while engaging in activities that require repetitive motions of the ankle. In most cases, you should refrain from playing soccer until your peroneal tendons have healed completely.
If you are experiencing ankle and foot pain while playing soccer, be sure to stop and see your doctor about it. Avoid toughing it out and continuing play because it can make the injury worse and harder to treat. For more information, consider contacting a specialist in podiatric sports medicine in your area.
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