I’ve had an issue for the past few years with a pain in my outer ankle, just below the Fibula. It would seem to occur at times when I cycle, and when I use shoes with little heel drop. In addition, when I start to train harder various issues with my calf, peroneus, and shin would come up (mostly peroneal though). I’ve taken the past 6 months off and its no better than when I left off.
I finally was noticed that when I lift up my toes and invert or evert them, several tendons near the front of my ankle would pop out of place and on to the front bottom part of the Fibula. Could this be a torn retinaculum? I saw a podiatrist and he diagnosed it as sciatica, but this was prior to me noticing the pop.
Anyone else have this? Can I train through it? I’m going to start wearing a brace for cycling and running seems okay since I dont replicate the motions that pop it out of place.
FF - more frequently than you might expect, the inversion mechanism that gives one an ankle sprain can also lead to subluxation of the peroneal tendons. Most braces don’t seem to contribute a great deal. There are a variety surgical reconstructions that provide excellent results eliminating the popping and pain.
So I take it with the tendons popping the way they are I will definately need surgery?
I’m actually somewhat relieved and will hopefully get a decent diagnosis on my next visit; this issue allow me to train lightly, but once I put in real time, something breaks down.
Subluxing peroneal tendons are not that unusual and are easily diagnosed via clinical exam. They don’t always hurt or cause problems though and can be left alone in some cases (doesn’t sound like yours though). If the peroneal retinaculum is attenuated (or a few other contributing factors), they will always sublux with certain motions (that you have figured out) and as Dr. Post mentioned, there are several surgeries that address the issue depending on severity, surgeon’s preference/experience, etc.
I had this (have it). It’s still there and flares when my shoes get old. It was traced to a hip rotator being weak which put most outward rotation forces on the peroneal. Rest (2 months no running, or cycling) and PT on the weak muscle helped. The subluxation is almost unnoticeable now but it definitely lets me know when I need new shoes. Sometimes if it’s aching I put a piece of Rock Tape just above the ankle running up the peroneal for support and to keep it from subluxing. That seems to work pretty well actually. It’s hard to get it better as you need to keep walking on it. It sounds like you’re past my level so definitely time to see a specialist about it.
How bad is the pain and how often does it occur when you are exercising?
I tore the retinaculum and have a subluxing peroneal tendon but the injury was sustained while playing basketball. I did intensive PT and got it better to a certain extent but it was always painful while playing bball. Doesn’t cause me pain now that I’m doing triathlons, but I do notice that my bad ankle is less flexible which has led to imbalance problems in all three sports which is starting to become a bit of an issue. If the pain is not horrible and a doc says you dont need surgery, PM me and I’ll send you some exercises to strengthen the peroneals and other calf muscles. On the other hand, if you can afford a good PT who specialises in foot and ankle, I would go that route.
How bad is the pain and how often does it occur when you are exercising?
I tore the retinaculum and have a subluxing peroneal tendon but the injury was sustained while playing basketball. I did intensive PT and got it better to a certain extent but it was always painful while playing bball. Doesn’t cause me pain now that I’m doing triathlons, but I do notice that my bad ankle is less flexible which has led to imbalance problems in all three sports which is starting to become a bit of an issue. If the pain is not horrible and a doc says you dont need surgery, PM me and I’ll send you some exercises to strengthen the peroneals and other calf muscles. On the other hand, if you can afford a good PT who specialises in foot and ankle, I would go that route.
Hey I was trying to pm you but it wouldnt let me. I think my retinaculum is the cause of my subluxing peroneal tendon too. It pops out and goes back to place on lateral movements. No pain when walking normally. It use to sublux more frequent but now it isnt as chronic as before. I think doing more intensive things like jumping or moving more laterally it forces the tendon out. Do you know if this will heal by itself? Its been about 6 weeks now. I have been applying ointment to heal the tendons. Or is surgery required?