Does a torn peroneal tendon require surgery
Emma Miller
Updated on April 18, 2026
Symptoms of peroneal tendon injuries can include pain and swelling, weakness in the foot or ankle, warmth to the touch, and a popping sound at the time of injury. Many patients do not need surgical treatment for peroneal tendon injuries.
Can a torn peroneal tendon heal on its own?
The vast majority of peroneal tendinosis will heal without surgery. This is because it is an overuse injury and can heal with rest. If there is significant pain, a CAM Walker boot for several weeks is a good idea.
How serious is a peroneal tendon tear?
Peroneal tendonitis and tendon ruptures can cause severe pain and immobility if left untreated, while early treatment can help patients avoid ruptures. But expect patients to require surgery when they have full ruptures or fail to respond to conservative treatment.
When is peroneal tendon surgery needed?
If you continue to have ankle pain after four to six weeks of conservative treatment, you may become a candidate for surgery to treat your peroneal tendon disorder. Repairing your peroneal tendons usually requires open surgery, but many patients leave on the same day after surgery.How do you treat a torn peroneal tendon?
Treatment involves rest, ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, and a physical therapy regimen that focuses on ankle range-of-motion exercises, peroneal strengthening, and proprioception (balance) training. More severe cases may require immobilization with a walking boot.
How long does a peroneal tendon tear take to heal?
Peroneal tendon injuries can generally be treated with nonsurgical treatments. Many people experience symptom relief within two to four weeks, with rest and medication.
What happens if you don't repair a torn peroneal tendon?
If left untreated, eventually it can result in other foot and leg problems, such as inflammation and pain in the ligaments in the soles of your foot (plantar faciitis), tendinitis in other parts of your foot, shin splints, pain in your ankles, knees and hips and, in severe cases, arthritis in your foot.
When can I walk after peroneal tendon surgery?
Use your crutches, walker, or knee scooter for a total of 4 weeks after surgery. You may begin walking without the boot when you are 8 weeks from surgery. Returning to driving will depend on which ankle has surgery and use of narcotic medications.Does torn Retinaculum require surgery?
Nonsurgical Treatment If the injury is acute, treatment without surgery may involve placing the ankle in a short-leg cast for four to six weeks. The goals are to allow the torn retinaculum to heal and to prevent chronic subluxation. Doctors may have their patients begin physical therapy once the cast is removed.
How long are you in a boot after peroneal tendon surgery?You will have a plaster cast on your ankle for 2 weeks following surgery. A walking boot will be worn from 2 to 6 weeks. At 6 weeks, you will wean off the boot and begin walking in a regular shoe.
Article first time published onIs it OK to walk with peroneal tendonitis?
Because overuse of the tendons often causes peroneal tendonitis, rest is crucial to help them heal. The individual should avoid walking or any other activities that may aggravate the injury until the pain has gone. The area needs time to recover and, in time, the pain will lessen.
What is a rupture of peroneal tendon?
A peroneal tendon rupture is when one or both of the peroneal tendons are torn, interfering with foot and ankle function. There are two main types of tears involving the peroneal tendons.
Does a walking boot help peroneal tendonitis?
Peroneal tendonitis treatment Firstly, simple treatments can be very effective for peroneal tendonitis. Ice, rest, and a walking boot can help. In addition, anti-inflammatory tablets such as ibuprofen reduce inflammation and pain. GTN patches can also help with the pain.
Do torn tendons require surgery?
Complete tendon tears or cuts and tendon injuries causing symptoms after more conservative treatments usually require surgery to repair. For a full thickness tear or cut, surgery is the only way to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent permanent disability.
Can you walk with a torn tendon in your foot?
The quick answer is yes, typically you can walk with a torn ligament or tendon in the foot. Walking may be painful but you can typically still walk. For example, the Posterior Tibialis Tendon runs down the back of the shin, behind the middle bump of the ankle (medial malleolus) and to the bottom of the foot.
Can partially torn tendons repair themselves?
Although many minor tendon and ligament injuries heal on their own, an injury that causes severe pain or pain that does not lessen in time will require treatment. A doctor can quickly diagnose the problem and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.
How long can you wait to repair a tendon?
Delayed tendon repair can be performed within 3 weeks to one month after injury, but the repair is preferably done in initial several days of delay. Direct sheath closure is not advocated in tendon repair in the delayed period.
How do I know if I tore a tendon in my forearm?
- A snap or pop you hear or feel.
- Severe pain.
- Rapid or immediate bruising.
- Marked weakness.
- Inability to use the affected arm or leg.
- Inability to move the area involved.
- Inability to bear weight.
- Deformity of the area.
What does a torn tendon feel like?
Pain, tenderness, redness, warmth, and/or swelling near the injured tendon. Pain may increase with activity. Symptoms of tendon injury may affect the precise area where the injured tendon is located or may radiate out from the joint area, unlike arthritis pain, which tends to be confined to the joint.
How do you repair a torn tendon in your ankle?
When your tendons are torn, your doctor may recommend tendon reconstruction surgery to repair them. For less severe tears, suturing may suffice. If you have a chronic tear, your doctor will use tendon tissue grafts, taken either from elsewhere in the leg or from a tissue bank, in order to reconstruct the tendon.
How do you sleep after peroneal tendon surgery?
Bed rest is prescribed for at least three days after operation. During the period of bed rest, the feet are elevated above the level of the heart. Continue elevating the foot/feet when at rest as often as possible; this will help decrease swelling and pain.
What can I expect after foot tendon surgery?
You will need to wear a cast or a walking boot for 6 to 12 weeks after surgery. At first, it may be set to keep your foot pointed downward as the tendon heals. You may be able to put weight on your affected leg after a few weeks. But it will be several months before you have complete use of your leg and ankle.
Can peroneal tendonitis get worse?
Peroneal tendonitis is a common cause of foot pain, particularly around the ankle. Frequently affecting runners or athletes who have upped their training, peroneal tendonitis usually develops slowly, gradually getting worse and worse.
Should you massage peroneal tendonitis?
Massage. Your therapist may use soft tissue massage techniques to improve peroneal tendon mobility on the lateral side of your ankle. Massage may help improve tissue flexibility and circulation, and it may be used prior to exercise and stretching to improve overall mobility.
How did I get peroneal tendonitis?
What causes peroneal tendonitis? Peroneal tendon inflammation can develop over time with repetitive overuse of the tendons. Or it might happen suddenly due to an acute ankle injury like a sprain. The tendons or the lubricated sheath that surrounds the tendons can swell, making it hard for them to move smoothly.
How painful is a torn tendon?
Tendon Tear Symptoms Severe and excruciating pain. Immediate bruising. Pain and discomfort that worsens with tendon use. A “crunchy” sound or feeling (crepitus) with tendon use.
What are the symptoms of a torn tendon in the knee?
- A tearing or popping sensation.
- Swelling and inflammation.
- Tenderness and bruising.
- Upwards movement of the kneecap towards the thigh.
- The knee giving way when you walk.