Peroneal tendinopathy
Peroneal tendinopathy is a common cause of pain along the outside of the ankle and foot, particularly in people who run, play sport or have a history of ankle injuries.
At Aligna Podiatry in Balwyn North we treat peroneal tendinopathy with high-power laser therapy to reduce pain and stimulate healing, followed by targeted strengthening to rebuild the tendons and improve ankle stability. We also assess your lower limb biomechanics to identify why the tendons have become overloaded. Book a peroneal tendinopathy assessment today.
What is peroneal tendinopathy?
Peroneal tendinopathy occurs when the peroneal tendons become irritated or overloaded.
The peroneal tendons run along the outside of the lower leg and ankle before attaching to the foot. They help stabilise the ankle and control the movement of the foot when you walk, run and participate in sport.
It usually develops gradually from repeated overload on the tendons along the outside of the ankle, though it can also develop after a specific ankle injury or sprain. Running, jumping, a sudden increase in activity, poor ankle stability, changes in footwear or training surfaces and the way your foot and lower limb move can all place extra strain on the peroneal tendons. Over time, this repeated stress can cause the tendons to become irritated and painful.
How it feels:
- Pain along the outside of the ankle or foot
- Tenderness around the tendons
- Pain that gets worse with activity
- Swelling around the outside of the ankle
- Weakness or instability around the ankle
If the tendon continues to be overloaded it can become a persistent problem that limits sport and everyday activity.
Signs, symptoms & when to see a podiatrist
Common signs:
- Pain behind or below the outside ankle bone
- Tenderness along the outside of the foot
- Pain during running or walking
- Swelling around the outside of the ankle
- Pain when turning the foot outward
- A feeling of ankle weakness or instability
See a podiatrist if:
- The pain has lasted more than a few days
- It is affecting walking or sport
- Your ankle repeatedly gives way
- The pain keeps returning
- You have a history of repeated ankle sprains
Early assessment can help prevent a tendon problem from becoming long-standing.
How we treat peroneal tendinopathy at Aligna
We treat peroneal tendinopathy in two stages, settling the pain first and then rebuilding the tendons.
Stage 1: Reduce pain and stimulate healing
We use high-power laser therapy to help reduce pain and stimulate the healing process. We also identify activities that are placing excessive stress on the tendons and modify them where needed.
Stage 2: rebuild the tendons
Tendons become stronger through progressive loading. We guide you through targeted strengthening exercises that improve the strength and capacity of the peroneal tendons and surrounding muscles.
We also find the cause
Repeated ankle sprains, poor ankle stability and lower limb biomechanics can all contribute to peroneal tendon overload. We assess how your foot and ankle move and may recommend custom orthotics where appropriate.
Our goal is to settle the pain, rebuild the tendons and give your ankle the strength and stability it needs for the long term.
Recovery & rehab
How long does it take?
Milder cases can improve within several weeks while moderate or long-standing cases may take three months or more.
Why rehab matters
Rest can settle symptoms but the tendon needs progressive loading to regain its strength. Returning to sport too quickly can cause the problem to flare up again.
How we help you stay pain-free:
- Progressive tendon strengthening
- Ankle stability exercises
- Calf and lower-limb strengthening
- Biomechanical assessment
- Orthotics if needed
- Footwear advice
- Gradual return to running and sport
With appropriate treatment most people can return to their normal activities and sport.
Summary
Our goal is simple: to settle your outer ankle pain and rebuild your tendon so you can move confidently again.
At Aligna Podiatry we don’t just treat the painful tendon. We look at how your foot and ankle are functioning and create a treatment plan to address the factors that caused the tendon to become overloaded.
Whether you are dealing with a recent flare-up or a recurring ankle problem we are here to help you get back to doing what you enjoy.
Book your appointment in Balwyn North
Struggling with chronic heel pain, tendon pain or another stubborn injury?
Our experienced team at Aligna Podiatry in Balwyn North takes a holistic, whole-body approach to treating the foot, ankle and knee. We combine high-power laser therapy, shockwave with hands-on care, cupping and rehab to reduce pain and restore alignment and movement. Contact our Balwyn North clinic today to book an assessment and find out which treatment is right for you.
This page was prepared and reviewed by our podiatrists Dr Emilia Arif Stephen (POD0002562365) and Dr Justine Jose (POD0002903648). It is general information only and does not replace an individual assessment.
Please book an appointment for a thorough assessment. Last reviewed:
October 2026.